For more than 40 years, the Center for Accelerated Technology Training and its readySC™ program have been recognized as one of the nation’s premier economic development training programs. We are ready to help organizations start-up quickly and efficiently in today’s competitive environment providing custom designed solutions such as workforce recruiting and testing, curriculum and materials development, innovative training design and delivery and experienced project management throughout the entire process—all of this at little to no cost for our client organizations.
readySC™ is ready to provide companies relocating to or expanding in South Carolina with our unparalleled start-up expertise, our truly customized training solutions, our innovative training delivery and our never-ending commitment to responsiveness and flexibility.
For more than 40 years, the Center for Accelerated Technology Training and its readySC™ program have been recognized as one of the nation’s premier economic development training programs. We are ready to help organizations start-up quickly and efficiently in today’s competitive environment by providing custom designed solutions. These include workforce recruiting and testing, curriculum and materials development, innovative training design and delivery and experienced project management throughout the entire process—all at little to no cost for our client organizations.
readySC™ is ready to provide companies relocating to or expanding in South Carolina with our unparalleled start-up expertise, our truly customized training solutions, our innovative training delivery and our never-ending commitment to responsiveness and flexibility.
Colleges and Universities
Orangeburg County, South Carolina is home to three major educational institutions that mold the local workforce into one of the most sought-after and competitive labor pools in the southeast. Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College, Claflin University, and South Carolina State University have an alliance that fosters educational excellence in the local workforce, creating a technically advanced set of potential employees. Orangeburg is also home to Southern Methodist College.
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College (OCTech)
The College’s goal is to serve as a conduit for community and economic development opportunities by providing a well-trained workforce. Specifically, OCTech’s programs of study include business, computer technology, engineering technology, general education, health sciences, industrial technology, nursing, and public service. In addition, students can earn college credits that can be transferred to a four-year institution.
Claflin University
At the graduate level, students are provided instruction to enhance the analytical and comprehensive research acumen necessary for professional growth and leadership. Continuing education programs create avenues for students to complete their educational objectives and develop skills necessary to advance their careers, their defined goals and to achieve personal fulfillment.
South Carolina State University
Enrollment is approximately 4,800 with 60 baccalaureate programs in the areas of applied professional sciences, arts and humanities, business, education, and engineering technology and sciences. Master’s level programs are offered in teaching, human services, and agribusiness. Moreover, State is one of three universities in South Carolina to offer a doctoral program in Educational Administration and one of two schools in the state to offer an accredited master’s degree program in Speech-Language Pathology. Students also have enjoyed summer study-abroad programs in Ghana and the Dominican Republic.
Southern Methodist College
Orangeburg’s Technology Center also offers a wide-range of courses, including health and human services, culinary arts, health science technology, accounting, business administration, computer technology, marketing, industrial engineering, and computer-related design (CAD). In addition, the Technology Center is home to the Distance Learning Center, which has an interactive video production facility and short distance learning studio.
Schools
Primary and Secondary Public Education
There are over 16,000 students in the three public school districts (Districts 3, 4, and 5) throughout Orangeburg County. Within these three districts, there are 17 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 8 high schools – all with programs designed to help pupils meet their full potential as students, citizens, and future employees. The overall mission of the public school system in Orangeburg County is to ensure that all students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve their goals and become contributing members of the community. In order to meet this goal, the county spends above the state average per student. That’s why the students in Orangeburg County schools are not only challenged, but they also enjoy the learning experience.
Orangeburg School District 3
District 3’s motto is “Teamwork in Education.” Together with the mission, “To ensure that all students possess the skills necessary to be lifelong learners and responsible, productive citizens in a global society by providing challenging experiences in a safe and nurturing environment,” the district is able to reach the goals of:
- Excellence
- Collaboration
- Accountability
- Technology
Orangeburg School District 4
District 4’s mission is to “develop creative problem solvers and critical thinkers by providing a variety of innovative, educational experiences in a safe environment, enabling students to reach their maximum potential in an ever-changing world.” The District offers
- Distance learning with video conferencing capabilities
- Student/computer ratio of 5:1
- Reduced class size in grades 1-3
- World-class facilities and
- Wide selection of extracurricular activities.
In addition, the district is home to the Cope Area Career Center, which offers up-to-date courses in 8 occupational areas, including
- Automotive technology,
- Building construction,
- Cisco networking I & II,
- Computer-aided drafting,
- Cosmetology,
- Health occupations,
- Industrial electricity,
- Masonry construction, and
- Welding & metal fabrication technology.
Orangeburg School District 5
District 5 strives to meet the demands of a constantly changing, technologically complex world and workplace. It’s mission is to “ensure a high quality education for all students by providing challenging learning opportunities.”
In addition, the district has implemented a new International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program. This program is available to the district’s brightest and most highly motivated students and is recognized by prestigious colleges and universities throughout the world.
The South Carolina Department of Education has implemented a “Report Card” system to monitor educational improvements in each of the state’s school districts. To view the most recent Report Card, click on the appropriate district.
Private Education
The private school system offers an alternative in education. There are eleven private schools dispersed throughout the County: Three kindergartens, four grade schools (1 through 8), and four schools with grades 1 through 12. These schools receive much praise due to their percentage of college-bound graduates.
Private Schools in Orangeburg County
- Andrew Chapel Christian Academy (K-5)
- Felton Laboratory School
- Holly Hill Academy
- Orangeburg Christian Academy (K-12)
- Orangeburg Preparatory Schools, Inc.
- Wesley Christian School
- Vanard Mendinghall Junior Academy
- ST. Andrews Methodist kindergarten
- Livingston Christian Academy