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Rock Hill Schools highlights "Rock Hill Soars" workforce development and adult education programs
Summary
District staff presented the "Rock Hill Soars" initiative covering internships, residencies, adult education, a virtual high‑school diploma pathway and career navigation; presenters called the program a "hidden gem" serving more than 220 students this school year.
District staff presented an overview of "Rock Hill Soars," a cluster of workforce development and adult‑education programs aimed at residents age 16 and older, during the board meeting on Feb. 11.
Program components and services Rock Hill Soars encompasses internships and residencies with local colleges (Clinton, Voorhees, Clemson, Winthrop and Grand Canyon University pathways), the Call Me Mister internship, career navigation, vocational rehabilitation partnerships, family literacy, English‑language learning and a virtual learning option using Edmentum for students 16 and older seeking a high school diploma rather than a GED.
Presenters said the department has served more than 220 unique students this school year, issued 24 high‑school diplomas or equivalency credentials, delivered 35 work‑ready credentials and three digital literacy certifications, and earned four state awards for program performance. The ESL program draws roughly 25 students per day and has a waiting list of about 47 because staffing is constrained.
Planned expansions and access Staff outlined near‑term plans including a summer program for seniors who are one to two credits short of graduation (diplomas to be reported back to students' home high schools), onboarding support for alternatively certified teachers, paraprofessional onboarding and expanded outreach and rebranding to publicize services. A virtual pathway already exists for some students; staff said the program year runs through June 30 and students who do not finish can return the following year without restarting coursework.
Why it matters Presenters framed workforce development as a tool to keep older teens and adult learners engaged, increase local credential attainment and strengthen the local labor pipeline. Trustees and attendees praised the program and encouraged broader rebranding and outreach so families and school staff are aware of the available services.
Provenance Topic intro: transcript block at 5321.17 — "Rock Hill Source Workforce Development" (evidence_excerpt: "Last of our presentations, is the Rock Hill Source Workforce Development"). Topic finish: transcript block at 6844.835 — "That concludes our panel discussion." (evidence_excerpt: "That concludes our panel discussion.").
