New Spartanburg Community College Program Supports Adults in Resuming their College Education

The Spartanburg Community College (SCC) recently announced an initiative aiming to assist adults in re-engaging with their unfinished college degrees. The college is extending its College Transition Coordinator (CTC) program to specifically cater to adult learners.

Extending Support to Adult Learners

“Our College Transition Coordinates are known for their success in collaborating with K-12 partners in our area to guide students, parents, and school staff through the sometimes complex journey of planning and enrolling in higher education and job training opportunities,” commented Dr. Stacey Obi, Vice President of Strategic Innovation at SCC. “In partnership with the Spartanburg Academic Movement (SAM) and OneSpartanburg, Inc., we’re excited to enlarge this program’s scope to assist adult learners wanting to return to SCC and chase their dreams again.”

From Local Schools to Adult Education

The CTC program, launched in 2021, has stationed coordinators in local high schools and career centers to work directly with students, parents, and staff. They offer guidance on dual enrollment, career training, college applications, and even securing resources for tuition and textbooks. With this expansion, Tim Callahan has been appointed as the college’s Adult-Focused Transition Coordinator. His role will involve crafting a recruitment plan for adult learners who have discontinued or withdrawn from a previous study program, and acting as an intermediary between the Director of Adult Reengagement at OneSpartanburg, Adult Education Center Directors, and SCC to ensure prospective students are helped through the enrollment process.

Harmonizing with Movement 2030

The CTC program expansion aligns with the objectives of the college’s collaboration with Movement 2030, an initiative aimed to re-engage the roughly 47,000 Spartanburg County inhabitants aged 25 and above who are yet to finish their degrees. Through this partnership, returning learners have the opportunity to apply for completion support funding which may cover a variety of costs, including books, fees, access codes, overdue balances and even childcare and transport. These funds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and merely submitting an application does not guarantee success.

Completion Support Program

The Completion Support Program is a crucial asset in SCC’s offerings to assist students in overcoming financial barriers that might hinder them from earning their degree. This program is designed specifically to aid adult learners who have started but not completed their higher education. More information on SCC’s Completion Support Program can be found at www.sccsc.edu/students/success-programs/completion.php.

This initiative by SCC is a significant step towards making higher education accessible to all, regardless of age or personal circumstances, and making a tremendous impact on the adult population of Spartanburg County.