EPI Center spotlighted by Apprenticeship Carolina

The EPIC Apprenticeship program gains statewide recognition as a premier workforce solution for South Carolina’s teacher shortage.

The Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation and Innovation (EPI Center) announces that its nationally registered apprenticeship program is being recognized by Apprenticeship Carolina. The spotlight highlights the EPIC (Educators Prepared to Impact Communities) Apprenticeship as a vital teacher preparation initiative and as a comprehensive workforce solution for the state.

Sponsored by the EPI Center and officially registered with the U.S. Department of Labor, the EPIC Apprenticeship is specifically designed to help classified school staff enhance their skills and obtain alternative certification to become licensed teachers. The inaugural cohort of apprentices, which launched last August, represents school districts across Allendale, Calhoun, Fairfield, Lee, Orangeburg, Sumter, and Williamsburg counties.

According to Dr. Damara Hightower Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of the EPI Center, the apprenticeship program is demonstrating strong results in its first year. 

“Seventy-five percent of apprentices are on track to complete their On-the-Job Training within one year, accelerating their transition into teaching while actively serving students. Five apprentices have passed their licensure exams, and seven will graduate from Voorhees University this May, stepping into classrooms as teachers in the very communities they already serve,” said Dr. Hightower Mitchell.

The full feature story on the EPIC Apprenticeship can be viewed at ApprenticeshipCarolina.com.

In conjunction with this statewide recognition, the EPI Center hosted an apprentice-led engagement work session on Saturday, April 25, in Batesburg-Leesville, S.C. Themed “EPIC at Work: Preparing Skilled Professionals through Registered Apprenticeship,” the event brought together educators and participants from seven school districts across South Carolina to collaborate and share best practices.

“Through our EPIC National Registered Apprenticeship Program, we are supporting impactful Grow-Your-Own initiatives empowering school districts to intentionally develop and elevate the talent already rooted within their communities. By investing in their own people, districts are building sustainable, future-ready educator pipelines from within,” said Margo Jackson, Educator Support Specialist – Apprenticeship. 

Attending the event was Charles Vaughan, SC State Director for the United States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship.

“We only began exploring teachers as part of registered apprenticeships a few years ago. Previously, teaching was not included, but the model originated in Tennessee and has grown. Our approach is to break an occupation down into its core competencies and define the skill levels required for mastery. From there, we outline the specific activities needed to reach those benchmarks,” said Vaughan. “It has been very EPIC to be here with these apprentices today.”

Educators in the Palmetto State are joining the nation in celebrating National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) from April 26 through May 2, 2026. This nationwide initiative, now in its 12th consecutive year and celebrating its first full week in the spring, is driven by ApprenticeshipUSA partners. Organizations across the country will host events to demonstrate the value of Registered Apprenticeships in strengthening the economy, developing a highly skilled workforce to meet critical industry needs, and creating pathways for career seekers to catapult into in-demand jobs.

Learn more about the EPIC Apprenticeship at epipathway.org.

About the EPI Center

 The EPI Center is a self-sustaining, national 501(c) (3) nonprofit established in 2021 on the campus of Voorhees University by Founder and CEO Dr. Damara Hightower Mitchell. The EPI Center was established to redefine educator preparation through pathbreaking, research-driven approaches. With a commitment to elevating teacher effectiveness, the organization provides a comprehensive continuum of services designed to equip educators with the skills, knowledge, and support necessary to drive student success. The Center is located at 423 College Street in Batesburg-Leesville, SC.