19 Students from Anderson Part of New TC TC/Clemson Partnership
Anderson Observer Reports
Thirty-five high school students from Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties made a formal commitment Wednesday to a new program that could take them from a dual enrollment classroom at Tri-County Technical College all the way to a Clemson University degree — at little to no cost.
TCTC hosted a signing ceremony May 13 for the inaugural cohort of the TCTC Dual Enrollment Academy-Clemson Connect, a partnership announced in April 2025 that offers qualified high school students a guaranteed admissions pathway to Clemson. The program specifically targets students whose parents did not earn a bachelor's degree, aiming to open doors for first-generation college students in the Upstate.
"This first-of-its-kind academy was intentionally designed to expand access to higher education for high-achieving students who may be the first in their families to pursue a four-year degree," said TCTC President Galen DeHay. "These 35 students are set to embark on an incredible academic journey, one that starts with an exceptional learning experience at Tri-County and leads to a guaranteed path to earning a bachelor's degree at Clemson University."
Students are recruited during their sophomore year of high school and, if admitted, begin taking dual enrollment courses through TCTC. The inaugural cohort completed its first college course — College Skills 103 — this spring before signing their intent to continue in the academy.
Dr. Mandy Elmore, TCTC's vice president for academic affairs and workforce development, said that introductory course lays critical groundwork. "Students learn how to navigate campus resources and access help when needed,” said Elmore. “They also build connections with peers who are on the same journey. The goal is for students to develop a clear academic plan that lays the groundwork for long-term college and career success.”
Starting this fall, participants will take coursework aligned with their intended major and continue through their junior and senior years at Tri-County. To earn the guaranteed path to Clemson, students must maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA in all college coursework and a 4.0 or higher in all high school coursework.
"By signing today, these students are saying yes to challenge, commitment, and possibility," Elmore said. "They are setting a powerful example for their peers and communities."
The program draws on partnerships among TCTC, Clemson University, the Anderson, Oconee and Pickens county school districts, K-12 guidance counselors, and TCTC faculty and staff.
Anderson County Signers
The following Anderson County students signed to join the TCTC Dual Enrollment Academy-Clemson Connect:
Crescent High School: Austin Alexander, Camden Goldsmith, Bailey Hayes, Jacob Innes, Savannah McClain, Ryleigh Rowland, James Rutledge
Powdersville High School: Kaden Barnes, Ashley Garcia, Stavros Hatzidakis, Natalia Lopez, Jordan Martinez
T.L. Hanna High School: Melissa Cordero-Castaneda, Montez Dial, Tristan McCauley, M'Kenzie Saylors, Baya Sheriff, Sophia Yatsenyuk
Westside High School: Rogelio Montes Sanchez
