SC Bill Aims at Education-Pathways to Available Jobs

  COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– South Carolina would pay for high school students and the unemployed to train for available South Carolina jobs under legislation that overwhelmingly passed the House.

The bill approved Wednesday, expands dual-enrollment opportunities for high school students, so they can take courses that count toward their diploma and a technical certificate or associate’s degree. It also provides grants to the state’s unemployed so they can train for a job offered in their area.

The cost of the “Pathways Initiative” is unclear.

Several counties are piloting the program this year with $5 million.

Ways and Means Chairman Brian White says South Carolina’s future depends on businesses moving to or expanding in the state being able to hire locally.

Business, school and agency leaders filled the Statehouse lobby to show their support.