Benedict, Tech build ´bridge' for students

June 18, 2009

Those planning to pursue four-year degree can benefit from program

The path to a four-year degree will be seamless -- and cheaper -- for some aspiring Benedict College students in the Midlands.

The presidents of Benedict College and Midlands Technical College announced Wednesday a "bridge" partnership between the schools. It allows Midlands Tech students interested in earning a Benedict degree to take part in some of the private college's academic programs and extra-curricular activities.

Benedict College president David Swinton said the school hopes to enroll up to 50 students a year in the program.

Benedict already accepts credits from two-year Midlands Tech students who want to complete their four-year degrees at the 2,885-student, historically black college. But Swinton said the bridge program will offer Midlands Tech students new privileges, such as membership in the Benedict marching band and use of the school's library and labs.

That, Swinton said, will give aspiring students early exposure to the campus and increase their chances of being accepted to the college and of graduating.

"Our goal is simply to give students who want to attend Benedict College better preparation with programs that will help them make the transitions successfully, graduate with a four-year degree and be prepared for a successful career or graduate school," Swinton said.

Midlands Tech president Sonny White said about 35 percent of his school's 17,000 students enroll with the goal of earning a four-year degree.

Midlands Tech has a similar bridge program with the University of South Carolina. About 400 students a year transfer through that program to USC.

White thinks the Benedict program could put more black men, an underrepresented group in S.C. colleges, on the path to four-year degrees.

Another benefit, White said, will be cost. Tuition and fees at Benedict College will be $7,795 for the fall semester. Tuition at Midlands Tech this past spring was $1,620. So a bridge student completing at least 30 hours of instruction at Midlands Tech -- equivalent to one academic year -- could save considerably.

"The bridge program is a convenient way for students to begin their education at Midlands Tech and still take advantage of the many great services and opportunities offered by Benedict," White said.

Swinton and White said the timing was right to begin the program, as enrollment at both institutions is climbing.

White said Midlands Tech's enrollment could grow by 1,000 students this fall.

Swinton said Benedict's enrollment could be more than 3,000 students in the fall. That would continue a recent steady uptick in enrollment for the school, which dipped below 2,600 students in 2005.

"Things look good," Swinton said.

Source: The State Newspaper

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