NOTE: Deadline to apply is August 3.
Earn college credit before you finish high school.
There are two types of Early College Students:
Youth Apprenticeships
Youth Apprenticeships are open to high school juniors, seniors and graduating seniors, giving them the opportunity to earn while they learn through paid on-the-job training under the direction of an industry mentor. Youth apprentices also take college classes that directly relate to their apprenticeship.
OCtech Early College Benefits:
- GET AHEAD
- BE PREPARED
- BE COMPETITIVE
- SAVE MONEY
Early College students will be eligible to earn a South Carolina Diploma Seal of Distinction: Seals of Distinction- Update May 2021 / Seals of Distinction Clarifications- Class of 2021
OCtech Early College students will also meet the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate.
The e-Plan Advantage
Students receive preferential advisement with a college counselor assigned to each high school. Students may also develop a college degree e-Plan with a college faculty advisor. All courses and programs are taught by highly qualified instructors.
Need help choosing a major?
Take our 15 minute Focus 2 Apply assessment on any device to make a better informed choice of a college major
Early College Career Pathways and Road Maps
OCtech Career Pathways help students select courses relevant to their chosen field or interest. Courses may count toward high school requirements and translate into college credit courses for a certificate or two- or four-year degree.
Career Pathways List
The road maps below will guide students and parents in course selection:
Eligibility and Application Process
Early College allows ambitious Orangeburg and Calhoun county high school students, in grades 9-12, the opportunity to earn college credits before they graduate. Many of our career pathways allow students that meet their school’s criteria to participate to begin Early College course work in 9th grade. Our University Transfer pathway is reserved for students in grades 11-12 that meet their school’s criteria to participate. Both the dual credit and concurrent enrollment options for enrolling in Early College require a school counselor and principal’s permission. Interested students will complete the Early College application packet in the link below, have it approved by their school counselor and principal, and then submit their application and any required placement test scores to the Office of Admissions at OCtech.
Early College Program of Study Guide: Learn more about the program and student opportunities.
College to High School Course Flowcharts: Maximize the number of college credits and meet high school graduation requirements using these charts.
Ask your school counselor about our Early College and join thousands of students across Orangeburg and Calhoun counties who have benefited from Early College! For more information, contact Deborah Cooper-Davis, Early College Director, at davisdl@octech.edu or 803.535.1409.
