Sep. 12—USC Aiken and Aiken Technical College have signed an articulation agreement that will allow the transfer of academic credits from Aiken Tech to USCA for students pursuing bachelor's degrees in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and other in-demand fields of study.

Aiken Tech credits will now be transferable to six USCA bachelor's degree programs: biology, chemistry, applied computer science, environmental earth systems, exercise and sports science, and psychology.

The partnership is effective as of the first day of Aiken Tech's 2023 fall term, which began Monday.

"The collaboration we are celebrating today is more than a transfer agreement," USCA Chancellor Daniel Heimmermann said. "It's a testament to the commitment both institutions have in increasing educational access and degree attainment in our region."

Heimmermann said the agreement represents a response to local workforce needs.

"More than 60 percent of incoming USC Aiken students are majoring in a STEM field," he said. "We know the future will be fundamentally impacted by those who are proficient in these disciplines."

Aiken Tech is a two-year school known for providing a variety of degree programs in STEM fields — from nuclear studies to health care.

Chad Crumbaker, the college's vice president of Academic Student Affairs, said the transfer agreement "opens doors for our local residents," as it provides ATC's students with a way to seamlessly further their education.

"We're seeing tremendous growth in the STEM fields in the STEM career workforce opportunities," Crumbaker said. "It's a great opportunity. Between the both of us we provide lots of access and a lot of opportunities to education and to careers."