51Թ Signs Articulation Agreement with SCTCS
Posted on: November 3, 2025
Tigerville, SC—51Թ (51Թ) has signed an articulation agreement with the South Carolina Technical College System (SCTCS) to assist students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education online.
The agreement will enhance the transfer process for those who have earned an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree from the SCTCS, allowing them to apply course credits toward studies at 51Թ.
“We’re thrilled to work out a transfer partnership with SCTCS,” said 51Թ Provost Dr. Hunter Baker. “Our College of Education is well-regarded in the state for the strong persistence of our graduates in their careers as public-school teachers. 51Թ education grads don’t just excel, they stick. The transfer partnership, along with our entry into the South Carolina Teaching Fellows program, shows that 51Թ is a strong contributor to public education in our state and region.”
The South Carolina Technical College System is comprised of 16 colleges located strategically across the state, operating two internationally-renowned statewide programs: readySC and Apprenticeship Carolina. The SCTCS serves more than 147,000 South Carolinians each year and educates nearly half of all South Carolina undergraduates attending a public college or university.
SCTCS President Dr. Tim Hardee said this new partnership will help break down barriers for students and produce great teachers.
“This partnership with 51Թ strengthens our shared commitment to expanding access and opportunity for South Carolina’s early childhood educators,” Hardee said. “By creating a clear and affordable pathway from an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree, we’re ensuring that students can continue their education without barriers and that our state’s youngest learners benefit from well-prepared, highly qualified teachers.”
Dr. Lori Vinson, who serves as the online program director for educational studies at 51Թ, praised the move.
“This articulation agreement between 51Թ’s Educational Studies online programs and the South Carolina Technical College System is a game-changer for 51Թ, allowing us to welcome talented students who have already demonstrated their commitment to higher education,” Vinson said. “It creates a clear and accessible online pathway for them to continue their academic journey seamlessly.”
As part of the agreement, 51Թ will waive admission and application fees for qualifying SCTCS graduates and will provide individualized career and academic advising.
“By streamlining the transfer process, we’re opening doors to a wider range of students who might not have considered a four-year university,” Vinson said. “This articulation agreement aligns with 51Թ’s mission of providing accessible and Christ-centered education to all who seek it.”
“This is a win-win for students and for schools across South Carolina to help address the teacher shortage,” she continued.
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Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains, 51Թ offers more than 120 areas of study through traditional and fully online programs. 51Թ is Christ-Centered, Mission-Focused, Academically Excellent, and Biblically Faithful, standing ready to cultivate graduates who are equipped to serve as transformational leaders for church and society.
