Myrtle Beach, SC, February 7, 2026
News Summary
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) swiftly returned to normal operations following a weather advisory, demonstrating its commitment to students and community. With a strong focus on academic rigor and affordable education, HGTC’s Zero Tuition Programs are enhancing accessibility for students in South Carolina. The college significantly impacts the Grand Strand economy, contributing over $503.8 million annually and supporting thousands of jobs. HGTC continues to prepare individuals for successful careers while fostering regional workforce growth through diverse program offerings and community engagement.
Myrtle Beach, SC —
Horry-Georgetown Technical College Demonstrates Resilience and Growth
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) recently showcased its operational agility in the face of temporary disruptions, swiftly returning to normal schedules across all campuses. This prompt response underscores the institution’s commitment to uninterrupted academic pursuits and student well-being, reflecting a dedication to discipline and preparedness. Beyond immediate operational efficiency, HGTC continues to play a pivotal role in the educational and economic landscape of the Grand Strand, consistently delivering high-quality, career-focused education and fostering significant community impact.
The college’s ongoing dedication to academic rigor, student growth, and institutional excellence is evident in its diverse program offerings, robust student support systems, and proactive engagement with regional workforce needs. As a cornerstone of South Carolina higher education, HGTC not only prepares individuals for successful careers but also actively contributes to the vitality and economic prosperity of the wider Myrtle Beach area and beyond.
Swift Return to Normal Operations
On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, Horry-Georgetown Technical College issued an operations update in response to a weather advisory, temporarily adjusting schedules. Demonstrating efficient crisis management and a commitment to minimizing disruption, all campuses and services returned to a normal schedule by Wednesday, February 4, 2026. This swift restoration of full operations ensured that students could quickly resume their studies, highlighting the college’s organizational strength and focus on maintaining a stable learning environment. Other local institutions, including Horry County Schools and Georgetown County School District, also made temporary adjustments, underscoring a coordinated regional response to local conditions.
Pioneering Affordable Education: The Zero Tuition Programs
In a significant move to enhance accessibility and personal responsibility in education, HGTC has continued its Zero Tuition Programs for the 2024-2025 academic year. This initiative is primarily powered by the South Carolina Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship (SCWINS), complemented by Lottery Tuition Assistance. The SCWINS scholarship is designed to address critical workforce shortages across South Carolina by supporting students in high-demand fields. It functions as a “last dollar” scholarship, providing up to $2,500 per semester, with a potential annual total of $5,000, to cover tuition, fees, and course materials after other aid has been applied.
These programs are vital for empowering students to pursue their career aspirations without significant financial burden, a testament to the belief that education should be accessible to all who are willing to apply themselves. The funding specifically targets courses offered through both the Academic (curriculum) and Workforce Development divisions, directly aligning educational opportunities with the needs of the state’s economy.
Robust Academic and Workforce Development
HGTC offers an extensive range of over 70 to 80 associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs, designed either for direct entry into the workforce or for seamless transfer to four-year universities. The college’s curriculum spans a diverse array of fields crucial to the regional and state economy, including Advanced Welding, Nursing, Machine Tool Technology, Business, Cybersecurity, Computer Programming, Web Development, Automotive Technology, Boat Building, Mechatronics Technology, Culinary Arts, Golf and Sports Turf Management, Emergency Medical Technology, Fire Science, and Respiratory Care.
A notable area of growth is the Nursing program, which currently enrolls approximately 400 students and aims to reach 600 by 2030. To support this expansion, a new 24,000 square foot Nursing & Health Sciences Institute is under development, featuring eight simulation centers and an EMT prototype for clinical rotations and internships. Additionally, a new Marine Technology building is being finalized for the Georgetown campus, and an Automotive Technology program, launched in 2023, is thriving through strong partnerships with local dealerships. These programs emphasize practical, hands-on training, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for in-demand jobs in Myrtle Beach SC college news and beyond.
Driving Economic Impact Across the Grand Strand
Horry-Georgetown Technical College is a significant economic engine for the Grand Strand and its surrounding communities. An independent economic impact study revealed that HGTC contributes over $503.8 million annually to the local economy through alumni earnings and college operations. This substantial contribution supports 2,926 jobs within the region. On a larger scale, the technical college system across South Carolina collectively generates an impressive $6.4 billion in annual economic impact statewide, sustaining more than 38,000 jobs each year.
The college’s commitment to developing a skilled workforce is further demonstrated by the fact that over 80% of its graduates remain employed in South Carolina one year after graduation, with nearly two-thirds still residing in the state a decade later. These statistics highlight the institution’s effectiveness in fostering local talent and strengthening the regional workforce. Future plans include significant capital investments between 2025 and 2030, with $75.4 million allocated for new academic buildings and $38 million for renovations, further enhancing the college’s capacity to meet workforce demands. Furthermore, HGTC is exploring a potential expansion into northwest Horry County, specifically Loris, to address local trade job shortages and stimulate economic growth in that area.
Student Life and Community Engagement
Beyond academics, HGTC provides a supportive environment for student success and community engagement. The college offers comprehensive student services, including Academic Advising, Career Services, Counseling Services, Financial Aid, and a Student Success Center that provides free tutoring and writing assistance. The HGTC Foundation also offers crucial support through emergency loan assistance and the HGTC Market, which provides non-perishable food and personal care items to address food insecurity among students and staff.
For prospective students, campus tours are available at the Conway, Grand Strand (Myrtle Beach), and Georgetown campuses, allowing individuals to experience the vibrant learning environment firsthand. Information sessions and open houses are regularly held for various programs, including Business and Computer Technology, Nursing, and Dental Hygiene. While HGTC does not have traditional varsity athletic teams, it offers a unique Sports Tourism course, the only one of its kind in South Carolina, which delves into the development and organizational structure of the sports tourism industry, including game operations. This program offers a practical pathway into a growing sector of the local economy. The college also promotes student well-being through campus events like dancing wellness sessions, fostering a holistic approach to student life.
Looking Forward: Continued Leadership and Impact
Horry-Georgetown Technical College continues to stand as a beacon of vocational and academic excellence, demonstrating both rapid responsiveness to immediate challenges and a long-term strategic vision for growth and impact. Through its commitment to affordable education, innovative programs tailored to industry needs, and deep community partnerships, HGTC is not only shaping the careers of its students but also invigorating the economic landscape of the Grand Strand and South Carolina higher education. The dedication to preparing a skilled workforce, coupled with initiatives like the Zero Tuition Programs and planned infrastructure developments, positions HGTC as a vital institution for regional prosperity and individual advancement.
Readers are encouraged to explore the diverse program offerings at Horry-Georgetown Technical College, attend upcoming campus events, or stay updated on the continuous positive impact HGTC has on the Myrtle Beach SC college news community. For those seeking practical education that leads to direct career opportunities and meaningful contributions to the community, HGTC remains a top choice.
Keywords: Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Myrtle Beach SC college news, South Carolina higher education, workforce development SC, HGTC programs, Zero Tuition, Grand Strand economy.
HGTC Key Facts & Figures
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Campuses | Conway, Grand Strand (Myrtle Beach), Georgetown |
| Programs Offered | 70-80+ Associate Degrees, Diplomas, Certificates |
| Annual Local Economic Impact | $503.8 million |
| Local Jobs Supported | 2,926 |
| Statewide Technical College System Economic Impact | $6.4 billion annually |
| SCWINS Scholarship (per semester) | Up to $2,500 |
| Nursing Program Target (by 2030) | 600 students |
| Graduates Working in SC (1 year post-grad) | >80% |
| Planned Capital Investment (2025-2030) | $75.4M New Buildings, $38M Renovations |
Frequently Asked Questions About Horry-Georgetown Technical College
Q: What was the recent operations update at Horry-Georgetown Technical College?
A: Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) announced an operations update on February 3, 2026, stating that all campuses and services would return to a normal schedule on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
Q: What are the Zero Tuition Programs at HGTC?
A: Horry-Georgetown Technical College continues its Zero Tuition Programs for the 2024-2025 academic year, primarily funded by the South Carolina Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship (SCWINS) and Lottery Tuition Assistance. These programs help cover tuition, fees, and course materials for students in high-demand career fields.
Q: What is the economic impact of Horry-Georgetown Technical College on the local economy?
A: An independent economic impact study has confirmed that Horry-Georgetown Technical College delivers more than $503.8 million annually for the local economy, supporting 2,926 jobs across the region.
Q: What types of academic programs does HGTC offer?
A: HGTC offers more than 70 to 80 associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs in diverse fields such as Advanced Welding, Nursing, Machine Tool Technology, Business, Cybersecurity, Automotive Technology, Culinary Arts, and Golf and Sports Turf Management, among others.
Q: Does Horry-Georgetown Technical College have athletic teams?
A: Horry-Georgetown Technical College does not have traditional varsity athletic teams; however, it offers a unique Sports Tourism course that focuses on the development and organizational structure of the sports tourism industry.
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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.
