Page 47 - 2020 Clemson New Comers Guide
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H a faith-based private university, an encourages public-private collaboration, and
Pickens Career & Technology Center ome to a large traditional state school, cutting-edge educational opportunities,
innovative technical college, and an
supports research programs that benefit students,
exceptional career center, the Clemson
Area offers more than 200 degree and certificate faculty, and industry. As one of the top 25
research institutions in the nation, the University
programs. Each institution promotes exceptional believes progress is powered by multidisciplinary
workforce supply, encourages economic innovation and continues to build relationships
development, and improves overall quality of that elevate higher education and reinforce
life by bringing distinct benefits to the students,
communities, and businesses of the Upstate. economic development in the Clemson Area
Through strategic corporate and community and beyond.
partnerships, higher education is reinforced by
collaborations designed to meet the needs of The Clemson Area has a long tradition of
industry and the individual. educational innovation that includes the Pickens
County Career & Technology Center (PCCTC),
Tri-County Technical College (TCT) has four which is one of the most respected career centers
locations and several satellite centers throughout in South Carolina. For over four decades, PCCTC
its service area, which includes Anderson, has provided skills training to Pickens County
Oconee, and Pickens counties. Through valued high school students.
partnerships with business and industry, TCT
plans for what is on the economic development PCCTC offers career pathways ranging
horizon. By fostering relationships with local from aerospace engineering to cosmetology,
developers, the school stays informed on what the and partners with Tri-County Technical
workforce of the future needs to know and creates College through a dual enrollment program.
the specific curriculum to meet that need.
Students begin to match their talents and
Southern Wesleyan University (SWU) interests with career opportunities, and the
has partnered with the special needs boards in PCCTC faculty works diligently to prepare
Pickens and Anderson counties and the South students for college and to foster the skills for
Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special entering a competitive workforce.
Needs for the creation of the Jericho Project, a
housing community made up of individuals with “PCCTC is a primary source of workforce
special needs and disabilities and SWU students development and career discovery,” said Ken
Powerful committed to mentoring and assisting people Hitchcock, Director. “We work closely with
with special needs and disabilities. Residents
our high schools, local industries, colleges, and
and participants engage in a living/learning
Partnerships environment through this important and economic development agencies to provide a
skilled workforce to help Pickens County to
effective collaborative.
continue to prosper.”
Clemson University attracts a driven and
accomplished student body. The research, For students, the Clemson Area is a wonderful
place to study and prepare for almost any
Innovative Programs Emerge from outreach, and entrepreneurial projects led career path. For businesses, the region offers
by faculty and students are driving economic
Clemson Area Collaborations development by improving quality of life in South a deep workforce filled with highly trained
Carolina and beyond. candidates. With an exceptional academic
by Bonnie Hunter landscape pulsing with innovation, the Upstate
Clemson University’s Office of Corporate offers an unparalleled array of possibilities and
Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives creates opportunities across interests and industries.
(864) 654-1200 | ClemsonAreaChamber.org 43
