Creation of Personal Pathways to Success helps education quality

We are proud South Carolina is leading the nation in a cutting-edge approach to connect academic studies with preparation for the work force. Gov. Mark Sanford and members of the South Carolina General Assembly passed the Education and Economic Development Act (EEDA) of 2005 as a long-term plan that ensures South Carolina students are educated and competitive in a global economy.

Personal Pathways to Success was created to implement EEDA as a statewide initiative in 85 school districts and more than 1,000 schools to improve the quality of education and the economy by making school more relevant to students’ interests and abilities.

Personal Pathways to Success will enable our students, kindergarten through Adult Learners, to explore and prepare for career opportunities through a more relevant curriculum and first-hand work experience, giving them a reason to stay actively engaged in school.

Since its establishment a year ago as one of 12 regional education centers in the state, the Waccamaw Regional Education Center, its staff, advisory board, and partners have worked diligently to implement the goals of the Education and Economic Development Act (EEDA) and Personal Pathways to Success.

The Waccamaw Regional Education Center Advisory Board is comprised of eighteen legislative appointees and serves Horry, Georgetown, and Williamsburg Counties with a primary focus — give students at every age and stage the education tools they need to build prosperous, successful futures by linking the efforts of educational, business, and local communities.

Students in elementary school begin to develop their Personal Pathway to Success through career exploration and assessment activities to help them pick their area of interest in one of 16 career clusters. By the eighth grade students, with the help of their school counselor and parents or parental designee, will choose a field of study based on the student’s interests, abilities, and aspirations.

Together they develop an Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) that serves as the student’s road map to guide what courses they take in high school, what careers they explore and what options they pursue after high school — be it higher education, the military or joining the work force.

Business involvement is critical to the success of this initiative as it gives students exposure to opportunities beyond the classroom and makes education relevant.
Our goal is to inspire local employers and business leaders to become actively engaged in Personal Pathways to Success — providing occupational information, career awareness, and work experience activities such as mentoring, internships, apprenticeships, and other job-shadowing opportunities for students.
South Carolina is the only state in the nation that has a mechanism in place for businesses to take part in education.

Waccamaw Regional Education Center Advisory Board members extend their appreciation to educators, parents, employers, and community leaders who commit their time, energy, and expertise to connect students to a successful future.

Ninety percent of jobs require education or skill training beyond high school and students without education and skills students are prepared to succeed in yesterday’s world — not today’s and not tomorrow’s.

Working together we will enable South Carolina to regain economic dominance based on an educated and skilled work force that is competitive in a global economy.

We invite you to learn more about this important initiative and find out how you can get involved.

— For more information visit www.scpathways.org or send an e-mail to Coordinator Patty Shortt pshortt@scpathways.org.