Lexington-Richland School District Five and Midlands Technical College celebrated the launch of a new dual enrollment Associate in Arts pathway on Friday, Aug. 21 at the Midlands Tech Harbison Campus in Irmo.

This first-of-its-kind partnership between School District Five and Midlands Technical College’s Harbison Campus creates a new pathway for eligible students to begin earning college credits while still in high school. Students have the opportunity to earn an associate degree and a high school diploma at the same time, tuition-free, removing a significant financial barrier to higher education.

“This partnership represents an important step in creating clear, accelerated pathways for students to reach their academic and career goals,” said Dual Enrollment Program Lead Tim Swick. “By starting college coursework as early as sophomore year, students can save time, reduce college costs and graduate better prepared for the future.”

Midlands Technical College President Greg Little added, “We are always looking for ways to create new pathways and meaningful opportunities for our students, and those opportunities only become possible when we all work together. We are thrilled about our partnership with Lexington-Richland School District Five and grateful for the leadership of Dr. Ross and his team, who have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. School District Five has established a strong tradition and reputation for excellence, and today, we are building on that foundation by creating something new and dynamic for students. We are proud that these students are part of this important first step, and we are excited to see where this pathway takes them.”

Parents see firsthand the value this opportunity provides, from reducing the financial burden of college to giving their child a head start on their future.

“From the beginning, we’ve been talking with our son about planning for his future, and this program gives him an incredible head start,” parent Christine Ahrens said. “Earning his associate degree while still in high school allows him to experience college-level learning while continuing to have the support of his family, his school district and Midlands Technical College. As an athlete, this opportunity also opens the door for him to think beyond a bachelor’s degree and potentially pursue a master’s degree as well. We’re excited about the possibilities this pathway creates for his future.”

Fifteen students are enrolled in the program this year, and organizers hope to serve more students in the future.

“Being among the first to walk down a new path can be intimidating, but these students chose to take that first step,” School District Five Superintendent Akil E. Ross Sr. said. “They are choosing an opportunity that can save their families as much as $30,000 in college tuition while earning 60 hours of college credit. That is more than college credit — it is an investment in their future and a pathway that can open doors that may not have been accessible before. I salute our students for having the courage to take this path, and I am grateful to the team and our partners who worked together to make it possible.”