ROCK HILL — Rock Hill Schools and the University of South Carolina Lancaster will formalize a new partnership Tuesday evening that allows qualifying high school students to earn an associate degree before they graduate, the district announced.
The two institutions plan to hold a ceremonial signing event at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, in the Special Events Room of the James Bradley Arts and Sciences building on the USC Lancaster campus.
The new program, called Rock Hill Schools’ Middle College at USC Lancaster, launches this fall. Participating students can earn 60 college credit hours while still enrolled in high school and graduate with either an Associate in Science degree or an Associate in Science in Criminal Justice degree.
Students in the program will be known as Lancer Collegiate Scholars. Classes will be held at USC Lancaster through a mix of in person, online, and hybrid instruction.
Local impact
For Rock Hill families, the partnership offers a route to two years of college credit at no cost to the student, paired with a high school diploma. District leaders frame the program as a way to close the gap between high school completion and a credential that carries weight in the workforce or at a four year university.
“This partnership is right in line with our mission of ensuring students leave Rock Hill Schools with a high school diploma in one hand and something else in the other,” said Dr. Deborah Elder, superintendent of Rock Hill Schools. “This partnership allows students to graduate with an associate degree, prepared for a successful future.”
Dr. Courtney Catledge, USC Lancaster campus dean, said the model is built to give students a structured introduction to college work while they remain part of the high school system.
“This partnership represents a true alignment of educational vision between USC Lancaster and Rock Hill Schools,” Catledge said. “Through this middle college model, we are offering students a rigorous but highly supportive entry point into collegiate academics. They will exit high school not only with a diploma, but also with proven university success, invaluable critical thinking skills, and a direct path to an associate degree or university transfer.”
What comes next
The signing ceremony Tuesday evening on the USC Lancaster campus opens the door to fall enrollment. Additional details on eligibility, application timelines, and course offerings are expected from Rock Hill Schools and USC Lancaster in the weeks ahead.
Source: Rock Hill Schools press release.
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