Inside the walls of Evans Correctional Institution, hope took center stage as 21 incarcerated men crossed a different kind of finish line. At a moving graduation ceremony, graduates received workforce credentials and associate's degrees from Northeastern Technical College. Twenty of the 21 scholars graduated with a 4.0 GPA. Three earned associate’s degrees, while the others completed trade certificates that will open doors to career opportunities after release.

But the day was about more than grades or degrees. It was about second, third, and even fourth chances. It was about redefining what rehabilitation looks like, and about bridging the gap between incarceration and opportunity, between mistakes of the past and possibilities for the future. In many ways, it was a story anyone could connect to, the story of fighting through setbacks, leaning on others for strength, and daring to believe in a better tomorrow.

The Honor Graduate and Class Speaker captured the sentiment of the day in their remarks. "Out of all the students Ms. Spratling could have chosen to speak, she picked the quiet one out of the group. But when Ms. Spratling tells you to do something, you do it, so here we are."

The Honor Graduate and Class Speaker went on to reflect on the journey. "It was a tough and frustrating journey for some of us at the beginning, dealing with adjustments and unforeseen circumstances. But thankfully, we all overcame our adversities and made it to where we are now. I can gladly say I have a strong group of classmates who were determined, dedicated, focused, and helpful throughout this two-year course."

The graduates’ resilience was evident in the diverse skills and knowledge they brought to the program. The Honor Graduate and Class Speaker noted, "Some classmates were great with technology, so for example, computer drafting came naturally to them. Others, like myself, found welding to be second nature from prior experience. All the knowledge and skills we shared as a group helped us achieve our goals and earn our associate’s degrees and trade certificates, something some of us, like myself, never imagined we would have."

Of course, the journey was supported by dedicated faculty and staff. The Honor Graduate and Class Speaker praised Ms. Spratling. "She has done so much for us. She has made things happen, changed things for the better, and always fought for her students. She is what I like to call ‘Mrs. Make-It-Happen.’" They also acknowledged the staff who ensured the graduates could attend class. "With Sgt. Evans, there was no skipping class. Not many officers would go that far, so we truly appreciate her and the few others who stepped in and supported us."

After the ceremony, the graduates, men once defined by their mistakes, shared their dreams, goals, and ambitions with NETC representatives. Some spoke of launching nonprofits that uplift communities, emphasizing the importance of fathers in families. Others envisioned themselves as entrepreneurs, using their skills to build businesses and create opportunity. Still others expressed a passion to continue their education, seeing this milestone as the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning. Their dreams sounded like the dreams of any parent, student, or neighbor, to work, to belong, to provide, and to make a difference.

These hopes highlight a deeper truth. Recidivism, the cycle of returning to prison, is one of the greatest challenges facing the justice system. Education has long been recognized as one of the most powerful tools to break that cycle. Research shows that incarcerated individuals who pursue higher education are far less likely to reoffend. Education not only equips them with employable skills but also fosters confidence, purpose, and a new identity as scholars rather than inmates. By creating access to education, programs like NETC’s bridge the gap between confinement and community reintegration, helping to rebuild their lives, support their families, and contribute meaningfully after release. For anyone who has ever leaned on education to change the direction of their life, whether earning a diploma, mastering a trade, or finishing a degree later in life, this truth rings familiar.

That truth was evident in the joy, pride, and renewed purpose shining across the room during the graduation. What began as coursework inside prison walls became a launching pad for futures once thought unreachable. The Honor Graduate and Class Speaker summed it up simply. "We’re just humans like you."

"These men are scholars. They are dreamers. And they are proof that education can transform not just individuals, but entire communities,” stated Dr. Kyle Wagner, President of NETC.

For the 21 graduates of Evans Correctional Institution, the tassels, associate’s degrees, and trade certificates represented more than academic achievement. They symbolized resilience, redemption, and the belief that tomorrow can hold something better. They also served as a bridge, connecting the men they are today with the lives they aspire to build tomorrow. And in that bridge, there is something universal: the belief that none of us should be defined forever by our worst mistake, but by the courage we find to grow, change, and begin again. For one joyful afternoon, the air inside those prison walls was filled not with regret, but with possibility.

Op-Ed: Dr. Tim Hardy President of SC Technical College System

It’s easy to overlook the people who make life work — until they don’t show up.

What if there was no one to fix your air conditioning system when it quits during the dog days of a South Carolina summer?

No paramedics to respond when your child has an asthma attack? No linemen to get your power back on after a storm? No nurses to care for your parents in the hospital? No technicians to keep your factory running or your car safely on the road?

It’s not a doomsday scenario. It’s a real question: Where would South Carolina be without its technical colleges?

September is Workforce Development Month. But instead of talking about programs, pipelines or percentages of jobs filled, we’re reminding folks what’s at stake if those jobs go unfilled.

Every day, in every community, graduates of our 16 technical colleges are showing up, in scrubs, in steel-toe boots, in uniforms. They’re not just filling jobs. They’re making everyday life possible.

They’re the welders reinforcing the steel joints on the bridge you drive over every day.

The radiation technicians taking your X-ray after that unfortunate slip on the porch steps.

The social service workers helping a young mom access child care.

The pharmacy technicians letting you know whether you need food with your prescription.

The veterinary technicians keeping your anxious dog calm during a checkup.

The physical therapist assistants coaching you through those first painful steps after knee surgery.

And they didn’t learn those skills by accident. They trained with us.

At a time when the world feels full of uncertainty, one thing is clear: Without South Carolina’s technical colleges, nothing would work the way it’s supposed to.

Our mission isn’t abstract. It’s not about ideas. It’s about people. We train nearly 150,000 South Carolinians each year, not just to work, but to contribute, to solve problems and to be there when it matters.

When the power’s out.

When someone’s hurt.

When the truck won’t start. When a parent needs care.

When the job can’t wait.

In those moments, you don’t call a workforce pipeline.

You call a person.

And more often than not, that person came through our doors first.

So, this Workforce Development Month, don’t just think about jobs. Think about the people doing them. And then think about where they trained.

Chances are, they trained at one of South Carolina’s 16 technical colleges.

Tim Hardee is the president of the S.C. Technical College System. 

We recently came together to celebrate Danielle Pace, our esteemed Dean of Students, as she retires after an incredible 31 years of service to the college and community.

Students, staff, and faculty joined to share memories, stories, and gratitude for Danielle’s unwavering dedication. Her guidance, compassion, and impact have touched countless lives, leaving a lasting legacy at the college.



We are grateful for Danielle’s remarkable career and wish her all the best in this next chapter of her life!

In honor of Constitution Day, students, staff, and faculty at NETC participated in a special activity to celebrate this important cornerstone of American democracy. Each student had the opportunity to “sign” the Constitution, reflecting on the rights and responsibilities it guarantees and connecting with the history that shapes our nation today.

Open Enrollment is here! While the official dates are October 1–31, employees can begin making coverage changes today for the upcoming year.

Any updates made during this period will take effect on January 1, 2026.

To ensure everything is in order, employees are encouraged to log into their MyBenefits account at mybenefits.sc.gov to:

• Verify that all personal information (address, phone numbers, email, etc.) is accurate and current.
• Make any necessary coverage changes for next year.
• Review existing coverage.
• Update life insurance beneficiaries.
• Provide up-to-date contact information for beneficiaries.

If employees are satisfied with their current choices, the only step needed is to re-enroll in the MoneyPlus flexible spending account if they participate.

Dental changes can only be made during odd years. This means 2025 is a dental year!

The buzz of excitement filled yesterday’s theatre meeting as cast members and crew gathered to run lines in person while preparing for the highly anticipated upcoming performances. The energy was contagious as the team fine-tuned their roles and made final preparations for what promises to be an unforgettable show.

A key topic of discussion was the opportunity for the community, especially local NETC students, to get involved. A few small roles are still available, and auditions are now open to anyone interested in joining the production. Individuals who want to showcase their talent should send an email expressing interest to Lmorman@netc.edu to schedule an audition. This is a fantastic chance for aspiring actors to take the stage alongside seasoned performers.

The first performance will take place on November 20 in Cheraw, SC, followed by a second show on November 25 at 8 p.m. at the renowned Blumenthal Performing Arts. These dates promise to be an exciting showcase of local talent, and the community is encouraged to come out and support the cast. Whether you are a long-time theatre fan or new to the scene, this is an event you will not want to miss. We cannot wait to see you there.