On Tuesday, Feb. 23, over 25 representatives from Clinton City, Sampson County and private schools joined together on the campus of Sampson Community College (SCC) to engage in upcoming opportunities for students.
“The mission of our Annual Counselors’ Breakfast meeting is to continue a successful and positive working relationship between SCC, Sampson County and Clinton City High Schools to ensure students will have a seamless transition into Sampson Community College and ultimately receive their degrees,” emphasizes Sharon Leggett, SCC Counselor.
With well over 200 students participating in dual enrollment, and many planning to attend SCC upon high school graduation, it is vital that the link between SCC and high school students is aware of the many opportunities available for these students to continue their education. This link, the high school counselors, Career Development Coordinators and High School College Transfer Advisors, play an important role in steering these students in the direction they wish to peruse, for both their education path to career goals.
“It is an honor to host the Counselor’s Breakfast and to have the opportunity to personally thank each high school representative for their guidance to students,” adds Dr. Paul Hutchins, President at Sampson Community College. “Each year the College looks forward to discussing with the Counselors how we can strengthen our partnership as we work together to help students achieve their educational goals.”
The information continued with Career and College Promise (CCP) information presented by Blair Hairr, SCC Director of Admissions and Perry Gillespie, SCC’s Career Specialist. As the CCP has grown 91 percent this past year alone, it is vital for students to be aware of this opportunity to take college courses, while still in high school, tuition free.
“Major benefits of the CCP program for Hobbton students include the cost-effectiveness of the program and the ability to explore interests while gaining college credit and experience,” adds Emily Hadley, Duke College Advising Corps/College Adviser at Hobbton High School. “The low cost of the program allows students of all backgrounds to gain skills and knowledge while still in high school. The variety of course offerings allows students to challenge themselves while developing college preparation skills like organization and earning credit towards a degree.”
One of the newest opportunities to serve local high school students is through the GATEWAY program, a guided approach to transfer experiences that get you on your way.
“I am really excited about the Gateway program which could provide a supportive network of people and resources for the many students I work with who would be a good fit for a college transfer pathway,” includes Hadley. She continues, “These students would benefit from the low cost of and college experience that is gained with CCP and community college classes.”
With new program offerings on the horizon for fall 2016, Dr. Bill Starling introduced Emergency Management, Emergency Medical Science and Medical Assisting. The Emergency Management curriculum is designed to provide students with a foundation of technical and professional knowledge needed for emergency services delivery in local and state government agencies. Study involves both management and technical aspects of law enforcement, fire protection, emergency medical services and emergency planning.
The Emergency Medical Science curriculum provides individual with the knowledge, skills and attributes to provide advanced emergency medical care as a paramedic for critical and emergent patients who access the emergency medical system and prepares graduates to enter the workforce. The Medical Assisting curriculum prepares multi-skilled health care professionals qualified to perform administrative, clinical and laboratory procedures.
“I am very excited about the wide variety of opportunities that Sampson Community College affords to our students,” adds Cynthia Wood, Counselor at Lakewood High School. “Our juniors and seniors have the opportunity to earn college credit tuition free toward a two-year or four-year degree while enrolled in high school. High school students are given the opportunity to take online classes or face-to-face classes at the college. Students who do not plan to pursue a degree and are seeking skills for employment can take a sequence of courses that lead to a diploma or certificate needed for a specific occupation. Sampson Community College has something for everyone! My personal experience and feedback about SCC is the staff at the college really care about the success of every student and go the extra mile to ensure that each student has the support and guidance to reach their educational and career goals.”
For more information about the variety of programs and opportunities to continue your educational journey at Sampson Community College, please visit www.sampsoncc.edu or call 910-592-8081.