Myrtle Beach, February 19, 2026
News Summary
Coastal Carolina University and Horry-Georgetown Technical College are enhancing their strategic partnerships to improve regional education and workforce development. Their initiatives focus on academic excellence, career pathways, and leadership cultivation, impacting both local students and the broader community. By engaging prospective students early and collaborating with local industries, these institutions aim to prepare future leaders and meet the region’s workforce needs, contributing to economic vitality and community well-being.
Myrtle Beach, SC — In a collaborative effort to strengthen regional education and workforce development, Coastal Carolina University (CCU) and Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) continue to expand their strategic partnerships. These initiatives are designed to foster academic excellence, provide robust career pathways, and cultivate future leaders within the Myrtle Beach area and across South Carolina’s higher education landscape. By aligning their resources and expertise, both institutions underscore a commitment to student success and significant community impact. This focus on practical education and strong local ties enhances opportunities for students and contributes to the economic vitality of the region.
The synergy between CCU and HGTC exemplifies how higher education institutions can effectively collaborate to address contemporary challenges and prepare students for an evolving job market. Their joint ventures highlight the value of academic freedom in designing responsive curricula and the personal responsibility expected from students pursuing these beneficial programs. The partnerships also reflect a disciplined approach to developing a skilled workforce, demonstrating how educational leadership can positively influence economic development and community well-being in South Carolina.
Fostering Future Talent Through Early Engagement
A cornerstone of the collaboration between Coastal Carolina University and Horry-Georgetown Technical College is the joint commitment to engaging prospective students early in their academic journeys. An example is the annual Teal & Tech Experience, which took place on March 24, 2025. This event is designed to introduce middle school students to various educational opportunities available at both institutions. By exposing younger students to diverse academic and technical pathways, the program aims to inspire interest in higher education and specific career fields from an early age. This proactive outreach helps lay the groundwork for informed academic and career choices, cultivating a pipeline of local talent for future workforce needs.
Strategic Alliances for Workforce Development
Both CCU and HGTC are deeply invested in workforce development, understanding its crucial role in the economic health of Myrtle Beach and beyond. Horry-Georgetown Technical College, a two-year community and technical college with three campus locations, is expressly committed to fostering economic development and innovation through its comprehensive collegiate and workforce education experience. The college offers a wide array of academic and workforce development programs tailored to meet the demands of local industries. This commitment extends to partnerships that directly address workforce needs, such as the one with Conway Medical Center (CMC). As of August 27, 2025, CMC was named to the Best-in-State Employers List for the third consecutive year, partly attributing its success to partnerships with Coastal Carolina University and Horry-Georgetown Technical College, which focus specifically on workforce development.
Enhancing Educational Pathways and Professional Growth
The partnership between CCU and HGTC also facilitates seamless transitions for students and enhances professional development opportunities for educators. On April 1, 2024, HGTC announced a new partnership agreement with the Georgetown County School District (GCSD) and Coastal Carolina University for the Teach to Teal Program. This initiative aims to streamline the path for individuals interested in pursuing teaching careers, ensuring a steady supply of qualified educators for the region. Furthermore, leadership development is a key focus. On January 30, 2026, HGTC will host a leadership development session featuring James Winebrake, president of Coastal Carolina University, at 10 a.m. This event underscores the shared commitment to cultivating strong leadership within South Carolina higher education. Nicole Hyman of Horry-Georgetown Technical College is currently participating in the South Carolina Technical College System Leadership Academy, further demonstrating the ongoing investment in professional growth among faculty and staff.
Military Credit Mobility and Academic Resources
Beyond traditional student pathways, both institutions recognize the value of experience gained outside conventional academic settings. As of October 21, 2025, both Coastal Carolina University and Horry-Georgetown Technical College are listed as participants in programs supporting Military Credit Mobility, demonstrating a commitment to supporting service members and veterans in their pursuit of higher education by recognizing their prior learning. For those seeking academic-related positions or exploring career options, both universities offer robust career services. Coastal Carolina University provides comprehensive career services, while Horry-Georgetown Technical College maintains a dedicated job board, serving as vital resources for students and alumni alike.
Community Impact and Regional Leadership
The collective efforts of Coastal Carolina University and Horry-Georgetown Technical College extend beyond campus boundaries, significantly impacting the broader Myrtle Beach community and the South Carolina economy. By providing diverse academic and technical training, they equip individuals with the skills necessary to thrive in various industries. This contributes directly to a more robust local workforce and attracts new businesses to the area. The emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and disciplined academic pursuits helps shape students into responsible citizens and effective leaders, ready to contribute meaningfully to their communities. Their ongoing partnerships serve as a model for how higher education can drive progress and foster a vibrant, skilled community.
The strategic collaborations between Coastal Carolina University and Horry-Georgetown Technical College are instrumental in shaping the future of education and workforce development in the Myrtle Beach area. These enduring partnerships provide students with a wealth of opportunities, from early academic exposure to robust career pathways and leadership development. We encourage readers to explore the comprehensive programs offered by both Coastal Carolina University and Horry-Georgetown Technical College, stay informed about campus events, and witness firsthand the profound impact these institutions have on our region’s growth and prosperity. This concerted effort reinforces the foundation of a dynamic educational ecosystem in South Carolina.
Keywords: Coastal Carolina University, Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Myrtle Beach SC college news, South Carolina higher education, workforce development
Summary of Key Collaborations and Initiatives
| Initiative/Program | Participating Institutions/Entities | Primary Focus | Date/Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teal & Tech Experience | Coastal Carolina University, Horry-Georgetown Technical College | Middle school student engagement, exploring educational opportunities | March 24, 2025 |
| Teach to Teal Program | Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Coastal Carolina University, Georgetown County School District | Teacher pathway development | April 1, 2024 |
| Leadership Development Session | Horry-Georgetown Technical College (hosting), Coastal Carolina University (featuring President James Winebrake) | Higher education leadership training | January 30, 2026 |
| Workforce Development Partnership | Coastal Carolina University, Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Conway Medical Center (CMC) | Workforce development, talent pipeline for healthcare | August 27, 2025 |
| South Carolina Technical College System Leadership Academy | South Carolina Technical College System (Nicole Hyman of HGTC participating) | Professional growth for college leaders | Ongoing |
| Military Credit Mobility | Coastal Carolina University, Horry-Georgetown Technical College, others | Support for service members and veterans in higher education | October 21, 2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Teal & Tech Experience?
The Teal & Tech Experience is an annual event, held on March 24, 2025, that introduces middle school students to educational opportunities at Coastal Carolina University and Horry-Georgetown Technical College.
How do Coastal Carolina University and Horry-Georgetown Technical College support workforce development?
Both institutions engage in significant workforce development. Horry-Georgetown Technical College offers comprehensive academic and workforce development programs, and both collaborate with local employers like Conway Medical Center to address industry needs.
What is the Teach to Teal Program?
The Teach to Teal Program is a partnership initiated on April 1, 2024, between Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Coastal Carolina University, and the Georgetown County School District to create streamlined pathways for individuals pursuing teaching careers.
Who is James Winebrake and what is his involvement with HGTC?
James Winebrake is the president of Coastal Carolina University. He is scheduled to host a leadership development session at Horry-Georgetown Technical College on January 30, 2026, at 10 a.m.
Does Horry-Georgetown Technical College offer career support?
Yes, Horry-Georgetown Technical College offers academic and workforce development programs and maintains a job board as a key resource for individuals seeking academic-related positions and other career opportunities.
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
