Southeastern Community College updates commissioners on ACCESS apprenticeship program; county funding called crucial

Southeastern Community College presented an annual update to the Columbus County Board of Commissioners on the ACCESS apprenticeship program, highlighting student participation, industry partnerships and the county’s financial support for ongoing operations.

Denise Young, who identified herself as director of apprenticeship programs at Southeastern Community College, told commissioners the ACCESS program coordinates the college, Columbus County Schools, Whiteville City Schools and industry partners to develop career pathways for high school students. Young said the program’s open house drew 204 high‑school participants, along with parents and business partners, and that ACCESS has identified seven career pathways including agribusiness, automotive, advanced manufacturing, building construction, education, health care and information technology.

The program reported a substantial number of third‑party credentials earned by students. Young said 310 high‑school students earned third‑party credentials such as CPR and OSHA between fall 2023 and fall 2024. She described work‑based learning outcomes including internships, job shadowing, pre‑apprenticeships and registered apprenticeships; Young cited examples of students who moved from internships into apprenticeships and said one former student purchased a home at age 20 after entering an apprenticeship.

Funding and county support Young told the board ACCESS receives seed funding from the Golden Leaf Foundation but is “dependent on Columbus County Commissioners to support this program” for stipends, teacher stipends, professional development, transportation and staff salaries. She thanked commissioners for current funding and asked for continued support to sustain student stipends and program operations.

Commissioner response and context Commissioners praised the program’s partnerships with Columbus Regional Healthcare, local school systems and Southeastern Community College. One commissioner observed that the pipeline and collaboration between the school systems, college and employers has produced visible results after several years of work.

Ending Young said she looks forward to sharing additional success stories as the program continues. Commissioners did not take a formal vote on funding in the meeting; Young noted the ongoing funding request is budget‑dependent and that the county’s continued support is important to retain stipends and credentialing opportunities for students.