1. SC ATE Center of Excellence
National Resource Center for Expanding Excellence in Technician Education
Partially funded by the National Science Foundation

2. SC ATE Mission
To increase the quality, quantity, and diversity of Engineering Technology graduates in support of economic development

3. Link to EEDA Links career choice to personal success
Provides clear pathways to technology-based careers
Fosters better preparation of students with pre-requisite skills/knowledge
Promotes on-time graduation to increase retention and success

4. Initial Steps: Darlington County High Schools
Address non-academic barriers
Increase # matriculating to technical/community college
Increase use of career planning assessment

5. Results: Darlington County
19% increase in number of high school graduates graduating in May 2005 and entering technical college in September 2006 (89 to 106 for Darlington School District)
Highest % increase of postsecondary options.
Too many proved not ready for college courses.

6. Sharing information to increase awareness
Three high schools in Florence District 1
Overall: 86% not ready
“Not ready” students require pre-requisite or remedial courses to enter the college program of their choice
High school teachers and administrators were shocked!

7. New Activities: Florence District 1 High Schools
Academic skills testing in high school
Work Keys
Contextual remediation (Tech Start)
Curriculum and course alignment
Career awareness: videos for outreach to parents, teachers/counselors, and students

8. Contact information
Elaine L. Craft, Director
SC ATE Center of Excellence &
President, SCATE Inc.
Florence-Darlington Technical College