Myrtle Beach, SC, December 27, 2025

News Summary

Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) is strengthening the Grand Strand’s economic landscape through expanded programs and community partnerships. The college is focusing on workforce development, particularly in healthcare and skilled trades, to meet the growing demands for skilled professionals. Recent grants have supported initiatives to enhance training capabilities and create new programs, ensuring students are well-prepared for the workforce. HGTC’s commitment to educational pathways and partnerships with local industries reinforces its role as a key player in the region’s economic future.

HGTC Drives Workforce Innovation for Grand Strand

Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) is significantly bolstering the Grand Strand’s economic landscape through strategic program expansion and vital community collaborations. By fostering a skilled workforce, the institution aims to support South Carolina’s economic future and enhance individual potential within the region.

As Myrtle Beach continues its dynamic growth, the role of higher education, particularly in technical fields, becomes increasingly critical. HGTC’s commitment to academic rigor, student growth, and institutional excellence is evident in its diverse offerings, which are designed to meet the evolving demands of various industries. The college’s focus extends beyond traditional academic pathways to include robust workforce development initiatives that directly contribute to the employability of its graduates and the overall prosperity of the community.

Expanding Healthcare Training for Critical Needs

HGTC is actively expanding its healthcare science programs to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the health sector. In March 2024, a grant from Bank of America provided crucial support for these new programs and for offering professional development opportunities to existing healthcare partners. This investment underscores the college’s dedication to equipping students with the most current knowledge and practical skills required for direct entry into the workforce, thereby enhancing the quality of healthcare services across the region.

In addition to programmatic support, the Bank of America grant also contributed to the HGTC Emergency Scholarship Fund in October 2022, assisting students facing financial challenges that could impede their educational and career goals. This fund helps ensure that academic opportunities remain accessible to eligible students. The college also offers short-term training programs in high-demand fields like Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Heavy Equipment Operator, and Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), with many programs completable in a matter of weeks and providing above-average hourly wages.

Powering Up with Skilled Trades

Recognizing the vital role of skilled trades in the regional economy, HGTC has fortified its offerings in areas such as electrical lineman training. In April 2024, Duke Energy provided a $30,000 grant to support the college’s electrical lineman program. This funding highlights Duke Energy’s commitment to fostering skilled labor and robust workforce development initiatives.

Furthermore, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has been instrumental in supporting the development of a new training facility on the Horry-Georgetown Technical College campus in Conway. This facility, part of the Technology Center’s workforce development and job training program, received an EDA Public Works grant of $1,656,886. The investment aims to enhance job training and bolster local manufacturing capabilities, providing state-of-the-art resources for students and industry partners.

Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement

HGTC actively engages in strategic partnerships to maximize its impact on workforce development. The college, in collaboration with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce (SCDEW), hosted the “Build Something Amazing” career-exploration event in November 2025. This event allowed attendees to explore various programs at HGTC and connect with potential career paths.

Horry-Georgetown Technical College is recognized as a leader in workforce development, consistently forming partnerships that bridge educational pathways with industry needs. The institution works with businesses, government agencies, and community residents to develop tailored training programs and supports economic development through education and collaboration. The SC Technical College System, of which HGTC is a part, operates statewide programs like readySC and Apprenticeship Carolina, which help companies develop and implement apprenticeship initiatives. These programs follow an “earn-as-you-learn” model, combining on-the-job training with classroom education. In November 2024, HGTC, in partnership with Apprenticeship Carolina, hosted its first Apprenticeship Appreciation Event on the Grand Strand Campus, bringing together local businesses, apprentices, and community leaders to celebrate the success of Registered Apprenticeship programs.

Fostering Educational Pathways and Transfer Options

The South Carolina Technical College System, including HGTC, is committed to leading the nation in delivering relevant and effective programs that advance workforce development and promote economic growth (State-level). The system aims to increase the employability of all South Carolinians and enhance their quality of life (State-level). HGTC offers over 80 associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs, serving students seeking immediate employment or aiming to transfer to a four-year institution.

HGTC has established multiple transfer agreements, making it easier for students to pursue bachelor’s degrees at senior institutions. These agreements include partnerships with institutions such as Coastal Carolina University, Columbia College, Converse University, and Lander University. For example, a recent articulation agreement with Lander University allows HGTC students with an Associate in Applied Science in Business Administration to transfer seamlessly into Lander’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program as juniors. Similar block transfer agreements with Converse University, signed in May 2024, facilitate transitions for students earning Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, or specific Associate in Applied Science degrees. The statewide articulation agreement of 86 courses, approved by the SC Commission on Higher Education, further supports the transferability of credits between two-year and four-year public institutions across South Carolina (State-level).

Investing in Infrastructure for Future Growth

The allocation of significant funding towards infrastructure development at HGTC’s Conway campus underscores a long-term vision for sustained workforce growth. The $1,656,886 Public Works grant from the Economic Development Administration for the Conway facility directly supports the college’s expansion of training capabilities, ensuring modern learning environments for technical education. This investment is crucial for supporting advanced manufacturing, automotive technology, plumbing service technology, and diesel engine technology programs offered at the Conway campus, among others. Such facilities are vital for hands-on learning and preparing students for the technical demands of today’s industries.

The Conway Campus, HGTC’s largest, is a central hub for administration and offers numerous student services, along with various academic and technical programs. HGTC operates three campuses across Horry and Georgetown counties, ensuring accessible educational opportunities for a wide range of students.

Myrtle Beach, SC — Horry-Georgetown Technical College continues to be a pivotal force in the Grand Strand’s educational and economic development, championing a disciplined approach to academic and technical training. Through its expanded programs and robust community partnerships, HGTC prepares students for successful careers, fostering personal responsibility and contributing to the region’s overall prosperity. The college’s commitment to innovation and excellence ensures that it remains at the forefront of workforce development in South Carolina.

We encourage readers to explore the diverse academic and training programs offered by Horry-Georgetown Technical College, attend upcoming campus events, and stay informed about the impactful contributions of Myrtle Beach’s college community. Visit the HGTC website for more information on admissions, program offerings, and community involvement.

Keywords: Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Myrtle Beach SC college news, South Carolina workforce development, technical education SC, community college Myrtle Beach, South Carolina higher education.

Summary of Recent HGTC Initiatives and Funding

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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.