Celebrating last day of school with fun, food, frivolity

With this feature, we seek to capture a glimpse of what you and your neighbors have to say about a variety of topics, issues, events – and just plain fun questions. You might see us anywhere around town, with notepad and camera, randomly seeking out folks who are willing to participate. If we find you, we hope you will want to respond.

At the Hilton Head Arts Festival at Shelter Cove Harbour, we asked, “What’s the first thing you’d do – or did – after the last day of school?”

The

Active Adult 3 Bed | Extra Large Screened Porch

$710,000 | MLS#435299

The Latest Trends And Strategies

If you're like most people, and you don't know where to start, this free workshop is for you!

• Learn how to get rid of your “stuff”

• Discover if you need pre-home inspection, repairs, or updates

• Learn strategy around home pricing and timing for your transition

• Find out what's happening in the local real estate market. Can you still take advantage of higher home values?

90-min workshop followed by complimentary wine and cheese reception

MONDAY, JUNE 19 - HILTON HEAD

2:00 TO 4:30 PM

Collins Group Realty, 852 William Hilton Parkway, Suite 2B

$597,000 | MLS#434821

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28 - BLUFFTON

2:00 TO 4:30 PM

Canterfield of Bluffton, 567 Okatie Highway

Space is Limited, Register Now CollinsGroupRealty.com/Workshop Call (843) 341-6300 or Email Ashley@CollinsGroupRealty.com

Heritage

Bed / 2 Bath | Private & Fenced Backyard | Wooded Views

$387,500 | MLS#435310

WORKFORCE from page 1A

Business and entrepreneurship are becoming popular pathways for veterans as well. One recent study showed that the number of veteran-owned businesses doubled in 2021, making up nearly 11% of new business owners in 2021, compared to 5.4% in 2019.

Students who are enrolled in public, private or approved home-school programs may take courses at TCL under the dual enrollment program if they meet the requirements.

There will be fast-track workforce certifications from forklift operations to HVAC training that can be earned in a few months or less. Students unable to study full-time in a particular program can take what is called “stackable” offerings. That helps break longer programs into smaller chunks, which has many advantages, according to the press release.

“It allows both career changers and incumbent workers to gain new skills as their schedules allow without them having to put a hard stop on their current income,” said Carns. “Plus, students are more likely to finish shorter classes.”

“There is something for everyone. If someone is working in the industry, they can come back and get additional skills while they’re working or they can come learn a whole new career,” said Copeland. “Right now, we’re competing with a really hot job market and everyone is working, so we have to be really flexible in order for people to come back to school. There are tons of online options – again, both on the credit and noncredit side, and for the fast-track option. Many courses are also available online, and some students do both, depending on the subject.”

Financial aid is available from a variety of sources in including federal assistance, TCL scholarships and through the South Carolina Education Lottery.

“The lottery helps pay for tuition if a South Carolina resident takes two classes, and that cuts the cost in about half. There are other pockets of money, especially for many of these high-tech programs,” Copeland said.

“Lots of these programs, even over the next few years after these facilities are open, will be funded by the state because the state realizes we need these highly skilled workers.”

TCL President Richard Gough feels the community at large will benefit from the addition of the training center’s potential.

“Enhancing the college’s technology and diversifying our offerings will certainly have a positive impact on the Lowcountry’s workforce and on the region’s overall economic health,” Gough said.

If you can’t wait for the new workforce training center, you can attend one of TCL’s free upcoming open house events to learn about other opportunities.

TCL offers certificates, diplomas and associate degree in pathways ranging from arts, building and industrial, business management and accounting, culinary arts and hospitality, health sciences, education and professional studies, law and criminal justice, and STEM. Information on financial aid and scholarships also will be available.

The New River Campus will hold an open house from 4 to 6 p.m. June 8 at 100

Community College Drive in Bluffton. Learn about the more than 60 programs; meet faculty, staff and students; learn about fall enrollment and financial aid; and submit your application on the spot.

The Culinary Institute of the South will hold an open house for those interested in programs on culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, and hospitality management programs from 10 a.m. to noon June 12 at the school on 1 Venture Drive at Buckwalter Place.

If you’re ready to take that next step, there is always Walk-In Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 21 at both the Bluffton and Beaufort (921 Ribaut Road) campuses.

Walk-in participants can complete an application, testing and planning for courses. Bring proof of residency or legal presence (if required) and official HS/GED transcripts and college transcripts (if applicable).

To RSVP for any of these events, visit tcl. edu/news/join-us-at-tcls-june-open-houses.