COKER COLLEGE: FDTC Bridge Program

Coker College-Florence Darlington Tech

Dr. Charles Gould, president of Florence-Darlington Technical College, and Dr. Robert Wyatt, president of Coker College.

Hartsville, S.C. — Coker College and Florence-Darlington Technical College (FDTC) have formed a partnership to make it easier for FDTC students to earn a bachelor’s degree by transferring to Coker.

The Coker College/FDTC Bridge Program will benefit students from Florence, Darlington and Marion counties by creating dual admission, dual advisement and dual student development opportunities between the two colleges.

“Current and future students at Florence-Darlington Technical College will now find it easier than ever before to continue their education at Coker,” said Dr. Robert Wyatt, Coker College’s president. “Our goal is to enhance their academic preparation so they can continue their education by earning a degree at Coker.”

“Coker College and Florence-Darlington Technical College have always had a strong relationship,” said Dr. Charles Gould, president of Florence-Darlington Technical College. “This agreement will certainly enhance the smooth progression between the two institutions for students looking to pursue additional educational goals.”

To enroll in the Coker College/FDTC Bridge Program, students must declare their intent to transfer to Coker and submit an official information form to either school’s admissions office. FDTC students who transfer 30 or more semester hours of college-level credits with a 2.0 grade point average will be admitted to Coker College. Students who transfer less than 30 semester hours must have a minimum high school grade point average of 2.85, a minimum SAT of 830 or ACT of 17, and a completed FDTC or Coker admissions application.

Coker College will award a Bridge Program Scholarship to all participants who earn at least 30 transferable credit hours with a 3.0 or higher grade point average. The scholarship is $1000 for students enrolling in Coker College’s day (traditional) program, and $500 for student enrolling in its evening program for adults. These scholarships may be renewed for three years provided the student meets certain standards.

FDTC students in the bridge program will be able to use the Coker College library and information technology center to check-out books and other materials and access the college’s wireless network. They will also be able to attend Coker College athletic and cultural events at Coker student rates.

For more information about the Coker College/FDTC Bridge Program, contact the FDTC admissions office at 843- 661-TECH (8324)or the Coker College admissions office at 1-800-950-1908 or admissions@coker.edu.

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November 6, 2009