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Horry County CTE leaders point to internships, industry events and a 98.4% graduation rate
Summary
Career and Technical Education officials told the Horry County Schools Curriculum Committee that expanded business partnerships, new events and internships helped CTE seniors graduate at 98.4% in 2023–24; district staff urged more employer engagement to build local workforce pipelines.
Career and Technical Education staff told the Horry County Schools Curriculum Committee that stronger employer partnerships and expanded career experiences have boosted CTE outcomes, and that CTE seniors graduated at a 98.4% rate in 2023–24.
"Our CTE seniors graduated at a rate of 98.4 percent," said Dr. Wendy Holmes, program quality lead for CTE, as presenters listed events, internships and advisory-board activity the district said support that performance.
The district’s CTE director, Tashina Chestnut, said the department’s priorities are "improved workforce readiness, stronger regional economies, and greater student success." Amanda Vanetta, the district’s work‑based learning specialist, told the committee more than 50 businesses hosted student internships this year and that schools also arranged job shadows, company tours and mock interviews.
District presenters highlighted several recent programs they said connect students with employers: an HCS PGA Day in partnership with the Dunes Club and Sport 5 that exposed students in marketing, hospitality and horticulture to event work; a Connections Cafe to mark National Disability Employment Awareness Month and focus on work‑readiness for students with disabilities; a CTE showcase for industry stakeholders; and a "Build Something Amazing" skilled-trades event run with Horry‑Georgetown Technical College and Grand Strand partners.
Students and industry representatives in video excerpts and remarks said hands‑on events help students understand career pathways and can immediately lead to employment. One student described starting an ER internship at Seacoast after connecting with McLeod Health; another said the showcase helped clarify career choices.
Presenters also described CTE student competitive activities and industry certifications. The district listed schools advancing from regional to state and national CTSO (career and technical student organization) competitions in DECA, FCCLA, FFA, FIRST robotics and TSA; the presenters named Loris, Saugustee, St. James, Aynor, Conway and North Myrtle Beach among schools represented and said AAST participates in TSA and robotics competitions.
CTE staff and board members credited employer engagement and local college partnerships with creating a pipeline for local hiring. The presenters named equipment and curriculum partnerships with manufacturers for welding and related skilled trades, and said local employers are impressed by Horry County students’ skills.
The presentation closed with a district website note for families seeking more information and with committee praise for teachers, business partners and staff that helped expand work‑based learning opportunities.
Ending: Committee members applauded the CTE presenters and encouraged continued employer engagement to sustain internships and credentialing pathways.
