Greenville REC and SC Works Youth Council Higher Education Committee

The Higher Education Committee is comprised of college representatives from Tradition, Non-Traditional, Technical College, Public, Faith-based and Historical Black Colleges and Universities. The mission of the committee is to foster, engage and encourage youth ages 16 to 30 to seek degree attainment. The committee will work with schools and students in Greenville County to increase the number of youth ages 16-30 that earn postsecondary career certificates, associates and bachelor’s degrees especially in the Skill Trades and STEM related areas.

According to a recent report, 7 % of our population 16 to 30 some college but less than 1 year. 21% had one or more years of college, with no degree. 5% had earned an Associate’s degree. 16% had earned a Bachelor’s Degree, 2.85% had earned a Master’s Degree, .48% had earned a Professional School Degree and .20% had earned a Doctorate Degree. The committee's main goal is to get 60 percent of the youth ages 16 to 30 to earn a college degree or certificate. Increase the education level of our youth in Greenville County is for current and future workforce needs.

The goal of the committee is to create, develop and implement a “Holistic” access approach to higher education. The committee would like to:

· Increase the flow of college access related information

· Increase the access points of college entry

· Increase the number of youth applying and enrolling in college

· Increase the number of youth earning associate degrees, especially in the skill trades area

· Increase the number of youth earning Undergraduate Degree’s in STEM related majors