Midlands Technical College Ranks #41 in Nation, #1 in Carolinas
June 23, 2009
COLUMBIA, SC – June 23, 2009 – According to a June 15 report from Community College Week, Midlands Technical College ranked #41 in the nation and #1 in the Carolinas in the number of associate degrees awarded to African-Americans last academic year (2007-2008). The number of associate degrees MTC awarded to African-Americans last academic year was 277, up 7% from the prior academic year (2006-2007).
“Midlands Technical College is very proud of its role in providing a pathway to higher education and career training for minority and non-traditional students,” said Dr. Marshall (Sonny) White, Jr., MTC president. “We understand that education is the key to raising the quality of life for families, and the education at MTC is targeted to assist individuals succeed in their chosen career fields.”
The same week of the Community College Week report, MTC and Benedict College (a historically black college) announced a new Bridge Program between the two colleges. The program will allow for a more seamless transition for MTC students who aspire to earn a four-year degree from Benedict College. MTC students in the program will also be able to take part in many of the academic and extra-curricular programs offered by Benedict while still enrolled at MTC.
White said the new Bridge Program could allow more African-American men, an under-represented group in SC colleges, to pursue four-year degrees.
MTC has taken other significant steps to address the issue of under-representation of African-Americans, particularly males, in higher education. College outreach to minorities has increased, and special attention is being paid to linking higher education to future financial success and the ability to handle personal responsibilities. In 2006, MTC created the African American Male Leadership Institute (AAMLI). In addition to seeking to increase retention rates of African-American males at the college, AAMLI is committed to developing leadership potential and promoting academic and personal success among African-American males enrolled at MTC.
Midlands Technical College is a comprehensive, multi-campus, public, two-year college serving the primary region of Richland, Lexington and Fairfield counties of South Carolina. The college enrolls approximately 16,000 credit students annually, and provides continuing education to 30,000 individuals and hundreds of area businesses each year. MTC is the largest provider of transfer students to the University of South Carolina.
