Redefining education. Shaping tomorrow’s workforce.
In our dynamic global economy, it’s paramount for education to innovate, adapt, and seek new pathways that meet the needs of our students and the future. The Workforce Centers of Excellence (WCOE) are leading this transformation in South Carolina.
Redefining EdGoals & Objectives
Fill the Workforce Gap
These innovative charter schools connect education and workforce needs by providing industries with a local, skilled, and employment-ready workforce.
Boost Economic Growth
By preparing South Carolina’s students for careers aligned with local industry demands, these Centers contribute to economic growth, attracting businesses to the state and enhancing the quality of life for communities.
Reduce Unemployment
Graduates are job-ready, reducing unemployment rates and providing individuals with the opportunity for career advancement.
Amplify Educational Choice
These centers exemplify how charter schools innovate and adapt to meet the needs of students and businesses.
WCOE Overview
The South Carolina Public Charter School District (PCSD) created the Workforce Centers of Excellence (WCOE) to redefine education and prepare a workforce trained for the future. Strategically located across the state’s 16 technical colleges and/or co-located on sites such as business, industry, and military bases, WCOE is pioneering a new path for students.
Key Features
According to the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (SCDEW), “critical needs” jobs account for 45% of the workforce, while only 29% of people have the necessary skills to fill these jobs. At WCOE, students gain the educational foundation and practical skills to bridge the gap and meet the demands of our ever-evolving job market. We offer:
Dynamic Curriculum: Curricula, core courses, and electives align with local business and industry needs, including hard and soft skills.
Hands-on Learning: Students engage with local industry partners through apprenticeships, internships, and other practical experiences for real-world application.
Job Readiness: Students prepare for competitive employment upon high school graduation with opportunities to complete an associate degree, industry certifications, and other credentials.
Advanced Resources: Educators employ the latest methodologies, tools, and techniques to ensure they are catalysts for change.
Open Access: Centers are open and free to all high school aged students and students 21+ who wish to complete their high school education and adhere to the highest state standards.
Goals & Objectives
Fill the Workforce Gap
These innovative charter schools connect education and workforce needs by providing industries with a local, skilled, and employment-ready workforce.
Boost Economic Growth
By preparing South Carolina’s students for careers aligned with local industry demands, these Centers contribute to economic growth, attracting businesses to the state and enhancing the quality of life for communities.
Reduce Unemployment
Graduates are job-ready, reducing unemployment rates and providing individuals with the opportunity for career advancement.
Amplify Educational Choice
These centers exemplify how charter schools innovate and adapt to meet the needs of students and businesses.
How to Support
To further the success of students attending WCOE, join the PCSD in supporting this transformative program in the following ways:
Increase Partnerships
Incentivize local businesses and industries to provide facility space, equipment, internships, and apprenticeships.
Create Access
Provide WCOE students with dual enrollment opportunities at South Carolina’s 16 technical college campuses, plus access to classroom space and technology centers.
Allocate Funding
Further WCOE program development, including promotion, enrollment, research, implementation, monitoring, oversight, and evaluation.
Hiring Flexibility
WCOE can hire non-certified educators with field experience to prepare students with the training and skills to be work-ready graduates.
Get Involved
Whether you’re a South Carolina policymaker, representative from a technical college, business leader, or a parent, we invite you to participate in this transformative journey. Contact the PCSD team today to learn more.
The Workforce Centers of Excellence is an initiative pioneers by the South Carolina Public Charter School District. The PCSD authorizes, champions, and supports the creation and advancement of innovative K-12 public charter schools that provide access to academic opportunities for every student in South Carolina to reach their fullest potential.
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