Win-win for higher ed

Two programs have been created allowing students to easily transfer credits from York Technical College to Winthrop University.

The recession emphasized yet again the importance of education in landing a good job and holding it. Studies have shown that those with post-high school degrees are more likely to be employed, even during tough economic times.

So we're grateful York Technical College and Winthrop University this year created two programs that allow students to easily transfer credits from York Tech to Winthrop. The programs allow recent high school graduates who might not be ready for Winthrop to immediately begin working on a four-year bachelor's degree at York Tech.

The programs were implemented this fall. One, called the University Studies Certificate, allows York Tech students to earn one of 21 bachelor's degrees by transfering up to 32 credit hours to Winthrop. The degrees include science communication and modern languages.

The other program, called 2+2, allows York Tech students who earn an Associate of Arts or Science degree from the college to transfer 63 to 65 hours to Winthrop in five areas of study: business administration, English-language literature, environmental sciences, family and consumer sciences, and political science.

“Over time, the agreements will contribute a great deal to the quality of life in a region,” Winthrop President Anthony DiGiorgio said.

We agree. We're grateful Winthrop and York Tech worked together to create these programs. Students who take advantage of them not only will be eligible for better jobs, they also are better positioned to improve our community.