Overview: The College HelpLine, established primarily as a minority initiative for teacher recruitment, recently completed its 14th year of service. College HelpLine directs its support to those especially in need of assistance - first generation college-bound students, low-income students, students of color and non-traditional students seeking to continue their education. Surveys and studies have indicated that these students may be the least likely to request and receive help from guidance counselors, parents or college admissions offices. The primary resource for many students will be the classroom teacher who may or may not be knowledgeable about the complexities of the college admission and financial aid process.

The Center's program, through its  College Financial Newsletter, serves as a liaison between high schools and college admissions/financial aid representatives. College HelpLine attempts to get students and adults past the roadblocks that may discourage them from pursuing a college education. The program also offers assistance to current college students who wish to pursue a degree in education. College graduates may seek advice on broadening their professional education career choices with advanced degrees and/or additional certification areas.

Each year, the single largest group seeking assistance was high school seniors. Most of the questions related to the South Carolina Teacher Loan and the critical needs subject areas. Students were encouraged to visit the SC Student Loan Corporation Web site for complete information on the loan as well as information on the critical subject and geographical areas designated for loan cancellation.

College HelpLine also served the following:

• guidance counselors;
• individuals looking to enter the teaching profession from other careers;
• parents seeking funds for their child's education;
• former Teacher Cadets seeking to become education majors from other career majors;
• high school juniors seeking to get an early start on the college admission process;
• present teachers looking for other opportunities in the field of education;
• ProTeam students seeking information on various colleges and universities;
• grant writers seeking statistical data;
• interested persons visiting booths at college fairs, career fairs, education fairs and education workshops;
• educational loan-holders with inquiries about cancellation opportunities through teaching; and
• teachers' assistants and others seeking information to assist in their career change to become a teacher.

For more information about College HelpLine, contact Tria Grant, Program Director, at 800.476.2387 x6062.

Mission: The purpose of College Partnerships is to provide a structure for college faculty members to work in a collaborative relationship with Teacher Cadet instructors to provide enrichment experiences for high school students as they explore the field of education.

Overview: Each college partnership reflects a certain degree of uniqueness based on specific needs of the high schools being served and the resources and expertise available on the cooperating college. Ideally, the college partners bring a wealth of knowledge about education to the course, and in turn, the experience of working in high schools is valuable to college partners.

Teacher Cadet sites benefit by having the opportunity to showcase their college partners. Colleges benefit by having the opportunity to showcase their campuses and programs to bright young people, and, most importantly, students benefit by having the opportunity to study with both high school and college educators. After working with the College Partner, visiting and taking part in special activities on campus during the year, many Teacher Cadets choose the partner institution to attend after high school.

For more information at College Partnerships, contact Tria Grant, Program Director, at 800.476.2387 x6062.

Mission: The mission of the South Carolina Teaching Fellows Program is to recruit talented high school seniors into the teaching profession and to help them develop leadership qualities through the collaborative efforts of teacher educators, school district personnel, business leaders and other education stakeholders.

Overview: In 1999, the South Carolina General Assembly, recognizing the shortage of teachers in our state, funded the Teaching Fellows Program for South Carolina. Modeled after the highly successful North Carolina program, this program identifies gifted high school seniors who commit to the teaching profession in South Carolina. Each year, the program awards Fellowships for up to 200 high school seniors (contingent upon funding) who have exhibited high academic achievement, a history of service to the school and community, and a desire to teach South Carolina's children. CERRA is responsible for administering the South Carolina Teaching Fellows Program.

The South Carolina Teaching Fellows Program expands the recruitment continuum in the state's "grow your own" teacher recruitment efforts. Fellows receive enrichment programs in Teaching Fellows Institutions, professional development opportunities during summer months, involvement with communities and businesses throughout the state and recieve $6,000 annual scholarships for four years while they complete a degree leading to teacher certification. The scholarship provides up to $5,700 for tuition and board and up to $300 for summer enrichment programs administered by CERRA. A Fellow agrees to teach in South Carolina one year for every year he/she receives the Fellowship.

For more information, contact Brett Vaughn, Program Director, at 800.476.2387 x6412.

* Indicates a Teaching Fellows Institution