Spartanburg Community College celebrates workforce development month by connecting union county students to career pathways

Spartanburg Community College (SCC) is celebrating Workforce Development Month by partnering with the Union County Career & Technology Center to introduce ninth-grade students to educational opportunities, career pathways, and the skills needed to prepare for the workforce.

As part of the partnership, SCC representatives visited Jacket Pathway classes, a ninth and tenth-grade course designed to help students begin exploring their interests and future opportunities. Adding a special connection to the visit, three of the SCC representatives participating in the classroom presentations are graduates of Union County High School, giving students the opportunity to hear from professionals who once walked the same halls and are now building careers in higher education and workforce development.

Representatives from SCC shared information about the College’s Workforce Development and academic programs, including dual enrollment opportunities that allow eligible high school students to begin earning college credit while still in high school.

SCC also hosted an informational table during lunch, giving students another opportunity to connect with College representatives, ask questions, and learn more about programs and resources available to them.

“Workforce development starts with helping students see what is possible. Through our partnership with the Union County Career & Technology Center, Spartanburg Community College is bringing the classroom and the workplace together—giving students the opportunity to explore career pathways, hear directly from professionals, and understand the skills and education that can help them turn their interests into meaningful careers,” said Nikki Burgess, Executive Director of Workforce Development at Spartanburg Community College. “We are proud to celebrate Workforce Development Month by investing in the next generation of our workforce right here in Union County.”

The Jacket Pathway partnership provides SCC with an opportunity to reach students early in their high school experience, helping them understand how the choices they make today can connect to college, technical training, and future careers.

“Union County Career & Technology Center is proud to partner with Spartanburg Community College to provide a panel of SCC experts who engaged with Mrs. Floyd-Parks’ UC Jacket Pathway students,” said Dr. Randy Worthy, Director of the Union County Career & Technology Center. “These meaningful conversations give our students valuable insight into college opportunities, career pathways, and the skills needed to succeed beyond high school. We appreciate Spartanburg Community College for investing in the future of our students and strengthening this important partnership.”

Through partnerships with local schools, employers and community organizations, SCC continues to strengthen the connection between education and workforce needs while creating pathways that help students build successful futures close to home.

For more information about Spartanburg Community College and its programs, visit www.sccsc.edu.

About Spartanburg Community College

Home of the proud Chasers, Spartanburg Community College (SCC) is a public institution serving students across Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union counties in South Carolina’s Upstate region. Since its founding in 1963, SCC has provided affordable, high-quality education that empowers students to achieve their goals, advance their careers, and enrich our community, which is embodied in its motto, “Dream It. Chase It. Live It.”