Myrtle Beach, SC, January 2, 2026
News Summary
Horry Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) is exploring a potential campus expansion in northwest Horry County due to significant population growth in the area. This initiative aims to enhance access to quality education and workforce development, supporting local economic vitality. A public forum was held to gather community feedback on this possible development, showcasing HGTC’s commitment to aligning its educational offerings with the needs of the rapidly growing local population. With projections indicating continued growth, this expansion could play a critical role in empowering individuals and fostering community prosperity.
Myrtle Beach, SC —
HGTC Explores Northwest Horry County Campus Expansion
Horry Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) is actively exploring a potential campus expansion in northwest Horry County, a move that signals a proactive response to the region’s significant and ongoing population growth. This initiative underscores HGTC’s dedication to expanding access to quality education and workforce development programs, thereby strengthening the local economy and empowering individuals to achieve their professional aspirations.
The potential expansion reflects HGTC’s steadfast commitment to fostering academic rigor and student growth, serving as a vital component of the Myrtle Beach area’s higher education landscape. By aligning its strategic goals with community needs, HGTC aims to cultivate institutional excellence that directly contributes to the socio-economic vitality of Horry County and beyond. This foresight in educational planning emphasizes how accessible education builds both individual capabilities and broader community impact.
Addressing Rapid Regional Growth and Community Needs
Horry County has consistently experienced rapid population increases, growing at a rate often exceeding that of South Carolina as a whole. From 2000 to 2023, the county’s population surged by nearly 200,000 individuals, reaching 397,478 in 2023, marking a 3.74% increase from the previous year. This substantial growth indicates that the population has not yet peaked, suggesting continued expansion. Much of this development has shifted westward into unincorporated areas, with locations such as Carolina Forest experiencing a 222% population increase between 2000 and 2010. Other suburban areas like Burgess and Socastee have also seen considerable growth during the same period.
The sustained influx of new residents creates a corresponding demand for educational opportunities that are geographically convenient and relevant to a developing workforce. HGTC’s consideration of a northwest Horry County campus is a direct response to this demographic shift, aiming to provide educational access closer to where a significant portion of the community resides. This approach supports personal responsibility by making higher education more attainable for individuals seeking to enhance their skills and career prospects without extensive commutes. Projected growth rates suggest Horry County could add another 275,000 people by 2040, nearly doubling its 2015 year-round population.
Public Engagement and Collaborative Planning
Discussions regarding an expansion of HGTC’s presence in northwest Horry County commenced earlier in the year, driven by strong community interest and the aforementioned population trends. To facilitate transparent dialogue and gather essential feedback, Horry Georgetown Technical College officials hosted a public forum on Thursday, November 20, 2025.
This forum served as a critical platform for community members to engage directly with college leadership, offering insights into local needs and expectations for educational programming. Such direct public engagement exemplifies a commitment to collaborative planning, ensuring that any expansion aligns with the specific requirements and aspirations of the residents it intends to serve. This proactive gathering of community input is foundational for developing educational initiatives that genuinely reflect local values and priorities.
HGTC’s Mission: Empowering Through Technical Education
As a comprehensive community/technical college, HGTC is dedicated to enriching lives and empowering communities by providing accessible and affordable education. The institution is committed to fostering economic development and innovation through a premier two-year collegiate and workforce education experience. With over 80 associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs, HGTC offers multiple pathways for students, whether they seek immediate entry into the workforce or aim to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
HGTC’s educational philosophy emphasizes student success, quality instruction, and institutional stewardship. The college primarily serves Horry and Georgetown Counties, though its programs also address broader regional and national needs. Faculty are committed to innovative teaching methods that integrate theory with practical application, ensuring students gain relevant, hands-on experience. Furthermore, comprehensive student services support individuals throughout their educational journey, promoting personal and professional growth. An impressive 95% of HGTC graduates either find employment in their field of study or continue their education at four-year institutions, demonstrating the effectiveness of their career-focused programs.
Catalyst for Academic and Economic Development
The proposed expansion holds significant potential to act as a catalyst for both academic and economic development within Horry County and across South Carolina. By extending its reach into northwest Horry County, HGTC can offer specialized programs tailored to meet the evolving demands of local industries, including advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and technology.
South Carolina’s technical colleges are crucial to the state’s economic future, with more than 65% of all jobs in South Carolina requiring technical training. The South Carolina Technical College System, of which HGTC is a part, educates over 250,000 students annually, providing affordable, high-quality training that produces job-ready graduates. These institutions are strategically located to ensure nearly every South Carolinian is within a 30-minute drive of a campus. Programs like readySC and Apprenticeship Carolina further enhance workforce development by partnering with businesses to train employees, attracting new companies, and helping existing ones expand. By providing targeted pipelines into high-demand fields, HGTC supports the Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation’s goals of attracting and retaining sustainable businesses that create high-paying jobs, thereby encouraging local graduates to remain and contribute to the community.
Strategic Alignment with Horry County’s Future
The potential expansion aligns with Horry County’s long-term strategic plans, which anticipate continued robust population growth and the need for corresponding infrastructure and services. The “Imagine 2040” plan, for instance, forecasts significant population increases in areas like Longs, Conway East, and Little River, indicating a clear need for educational institutions to adapt and expand their geographic footprint.
By investing in a new campus, HGTC is not merely reacting to growth but actively contributing to the thoughtful development of the region. This proactive approach ensures that educational resources remain accessible and relevant, preparing a skilled workforce that can meet the demands of a diversifying economy. This strategic alignment underscores the importance of discipline in long-term planning and the personal responsibility of institutions to serve their evolving communities effectively.
Summary of Horry Georgetown Technical College Expansion Considerations
| Aspect | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Current Exploration Status | Actively exploring potential campus expansion in northwest Horry County. | Local |
| Motivation for Expansion | Community interest and significant population growth in northwest Horry County. | Local |
| Public Forum Date | Thursday, November 20, 2025. | Local |
| Horry County Population (2023) | 397,478 (3.74% increase from 2022). | Local |
| Horry County Population Growth (2000-2023) | Increased by 199,478. | Local |
| HGTC Program Offerings | Over 80 associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs. | Local |
| HGTC Graduate Outcomes | 95% employed in their field or continuing education. | Local |
| SC Technical College System Reach | 16 technical colleges, over 250,000 students annually. | State-level |
| SC Job Market & Technical Training | More than 65% of jobs require technical training. | State-level |
Looking Ahead for Myrtle Beach’s College Community
The potential expansion of Horry Georgetown Technical College into northwest Horry County represents a significant step in reinforcing the region’s educational infrastructure and its capacity to meet the demands of a growing population and evolving economy. By focusing on accessible, high-quality technical education and workforce development, HGTC continues to play a pivotal role in empowering individuals and fostering sustainable community prosperity.
This initiative exemplifies the ongoing commitment to innovation and academic freedom within South Carolina’s higher education system, ensuring that institutions remain responsive to the needs of students and industries alike. Readers are encouraged to explore the diverse programs offered by Horry Georgetown Technical College, attend future campus events, and stay informed about the dynamic developments within Myrtle Beach’s vibrant college community.
Keywords: Horry Georgetown Technical College, Myrtle Beach SC college news, South Carolina higher education, HGTC expansion, workforce development
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Horry Georgetown Technical College exploring?
A: Horry Georgetown Technical College is actively exploring a potential campus expansion in northwest Horry County.
Q: Why is HGTC considering this expansion?
A: The expansion is being considered in response to strong community interest and significant population growth in northwest Horry County.
Q: When was a public forum held to discuss the expansion?
A: Horry Georgetown Technical College officials held a public forum on Thursday, November 20, 2025, to discuss a potential campus expansion in northwest Horry County.
Q: How has Horry County’s population grown recently?
A: Horry County’s population increased by 199,478 between 2000 and 2023. In 2023, the population was 397,478, marking a 3.74% increase from 2022.
Q: What types of programs does Horry Georgetown Technical College offer?
A: Horry Georgetown Technical College offers over 80 associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs.
Q: What is the success rate of HGTC graduates?
A: An impressive 95% of HGTC graduates are either employed in their field of study or continue their education at four-year institutions.
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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.
