Contributed photo Jamarcus Little of Chesterfield is following his pathway to a teaching degree by starting his college education at Northeastern Technical College and transferring to the University of South Carolina this fall semester.

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Jamarcus Little of Chesterfield is following his pathway to a teaching degree by starting his college education at Northeastern Technical College in Cheraw and transferring to the University of South Carolina this fall semester.

Little enrolled in NETC’s Associate in Arts degree program, which is designed for students planning to continue their education at a four-year college or university. Because of NETC’s affordable tuition and location close to home, Little saved on tuition and housing costs while completing first-year college courses that will transfer with ease to a four-year institution.

“When I began exploring my college options, the University of South Carolina sent me information about the bridge program with Northeastern Technical College,” Little said. “USC encouraged me to start here at NETC, where I would be taking the same classes if I were to attend USC my first year, and then transfer to USC my second year.”

Little said he appreciated the smaller classes at NETC where he received more individualized attention than a student would in a large university setting.

“NETC is a good place to begin your education because of the one-on-one assistance you receive from your instructors,” Little said. “They are always available when you have questions and make sure you are prepared for what’s next on your educational pathway.”

While at NETC, Little took advantage of the services offered by Student Support Services and the TRUMPET Program. TRUMPET, which stands for “Training, Retaining and Uplifting Males to Produce Educational Triumphs,” uses a combination of intensive student support, instructional technology and community outreach to reduce personal, educational and geographic barriers standing in the way of student success.

Because of TRUMPET, Little received assistance with his textbooks, was able to borrow a laptop while enrolled in online classes, and attended the Black Male Summit in Columbia. In the TRIO program, he received tutoring through Student Support Services, participated in various activities and used the Success Center as a place of study.

As Support Services coordinator, Darin Coleman served as a mentor to Little, providing academic and career counseling. He said, “Jamarcus Little is a product of what our TRUMPET and TRIO (Student Support Services) programs can do for students who recognize the benefits of these services and take advantage of them to follow their pathway to success. It is my hope that all students will consider the important opportunities for academic success provided by these programs at NETC.”

As Little prepares to enter classes at USC, he is looking forward to the day when he will be at the head of the class as a math instructor and helping others gain success in their education.

For more information, visit www.netc.edu or call 1-800-921-7399.

Admission applications may be picked up and submitted at the main campus in Cheraw, or at one of the college campuses in Bennettsville, Pageland or Dillon. Students who wish to submit applications in person should do so at the campus where they intend to take classes. An admission application may also be filled out and submitted online by clicking on the Admissions tab at www.netc.edu.