About Personal Pathways to Success

Mission Statement

Personal Pathways to Success empowers youth by making education relevant to their aspirations and abilities, promising a better economy and quality of life for everyone in South Carolina.

Executive Summary

In May 2005, Gov. Mark Sanford signed the Education and Economic Development Act (EEDA)—new legislation designed to give South Carolina students the education tools they need to build prosperous, successful futures.

Gaps between traditional academic preparation and the requirements of the globally competitive economy have led to increasing challenges for students trying to achieve their post-graduation goals. The EEDA created Personal Pathways to Success, combining high academic standards with enhanced opportunities to build real-life skills. The result will be a more versatile and technologically sophisticated labor force that will bolster South Carolina’s economy. 

The Personal Pathways program maintains the state’s established high school graduation requirements—17 required academic core courses plus seven electives—but requires all students declare a career major through a course of study in one of 16 career clusters. School partnerships with area businesses will provide students opportunities for hands-on, real-world work experience in the field of their choice.

Focused on seamless K–16 education, Personal Pathways promotes career awareness and exploration beginning in elementary school. In the 8th grade, students work with their parents or parental designees and guidance counselors to create Individual Graduation Plans (IGPs) that reconcile their academic and post-graduation goals. 

IGPs are adjusted annually to allow for a student’s continued academic growth and career exploration through high school. Personal Pathways ensures seamless transition to post-secondary education by establishing articulation agreements among the state’s high schools and two- and four-year colleges.

To effectively implement Personal Pathways, the EEDA mandates a variety of supporting initiatives, including that by 2010 all South Carolina high schools be organized by the High Schools That Work (HSTW) or a comparable model. Personal Pathways will also provide programs to identify and help at-risk students.

Additionally, online Regional Education Centers will be created across the state to connect students and educators with the business community and align students’ post-graduation goals with the knowledge, skills and character traits required for real-world success. 

The role of school guidance counselors as student advocates and liaisons with the business community is being emphasized through a funding increase that will allow middle and high schools to hire one guidance counselor for every 300 students—a ratio experts say is ideal for student development.

The EEDA Coordinating Council was created to oversee the implementation of the Act. The Council represents the geographic regions, ethnic, gender, rural and urban diversity of South Carolina. Representatives from the business and education communities and the General Assembly serve on the Council’s six committees. Chairman Harry Stille presides over the Council’s monthly meetings in Columbia.

Personal Pathways to Success is expected to be fully implemented by July 2011.