Other Funding Resources

Continuing Education Resources

Funding Source
Contacts
Qualifying Criteria
Potential Benefits
Notes
SCWINS York Technical College
(803) 327-8017
SC WINS

Qualifying students must:

  • Be a South Carolina resident
  • Be enrolled in an eligible program
  • Have completed the 24-25 FAFSA
  • Not be in default on a Federal Student Loan
  • Completed the SC Wins Affidavit
    • This form will be sent to the student once they have been awarded.

GPA/Continued Eligibility

All credit-seeking students must maintain a 2.0 GPA each academic year. 

Covered Expenses

Recipients can receive up to $5,000 per academic year after applying all other scholarships or grants. The scholarship may cover the cost of tuition and instructional course fees.
*Course materials, text, uniforms, and tools are not covered by SC WINS.

Reconnect with York Technical College York Technical College
(803) 327-8017
RECONNECT
Reconnect with York Tech —Scholarship Eligibility and Funding Information
  • You must meet all of the following:
    • Be a South Carolina resident (must meet SC residency requirements).
    • Be a former York Technical College student who has not attended in the past two semesters or completed their credential.
    • Complete the FAFSA and submit all required documents.
    • Not be in default on any student loans.
    • Be eligible to return to York Tech (no disciplinary or financial holds).
    • Enroll in at least 6 credit hours each term and stay continuously enrolled in Fall and Spring terms.*
      • *some exceptions may apply based on program credit hours needed for completion.
    • Have and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and meet Satisfactory Academic Progress each term.
  • Scholarship funding through Reconnect covers one program only and must be completed within 15 months of your start date.
  • If your scholarship amount exceeds your current term charges, the extra funds will not be refunded to you but will automatically be applied to your next term’s balance.
  • There may be some financial funding restrictions if you have graduated from a program within the last five years.
WIOA Services
via
SC Works Centers
SC Works Catawba centers Participants who qualify based on skill deficit and financial need can receive retraining services (up to a two-year degree). Placement services to match qualified candidates to local job openings, and to target mature students currently in a field of study relevant to employer needs. No charge to employers for advertisement or placement.
WIOA Rapid Response Incumbent Worker Training Grant(if grant funds are available) Amanda Baker
Catawba Regional Council of Governments
(803) 327-9041
abaker@catawbacog.org

RRIWT Local Instruction
Easy application for training of employees particularly in manufacturing sector. Goal is to help company increase its competitiveness and to avoid and/or prevent potential lay-offs and/or business closures. Must be in SC for at least 1 year and have one or more FT employees and be current on tax obligations. Must provide a Competitive Review of the Company which is conducted at no-charge by SCMEP. Avoid layoffs and/or business closures. Grant funds provide reimbursement of tuition or instructor wages, curriculum development, and training materials only. Equipment purchases, travel and other costs are not reimbursable.
WIOA On the Job Training Business Service Manager
Rock Hill
(803) 328-3881
SC Works Catawba OJT
For companies wanting to offset the cost of training new employees. Job profile should be done initially to increase likelihood of getting a job candidate with skills to do the job. Candidates most be WIOA qualified. Up to 75% of trainee's salary paid depending on the size of the company (<100 = 75%; >100 = 50%). Cost of manuals & supplies also covered.  
SCMEP Miranda Craig
Regional Vice President
Chester, Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lancaster, Lee, Marlboro, York
(803) 830-2144
250 Berryhill Road, Suite 115
Columbia, SC  29210
MCraig
@scmep.org


South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership
Provides technical assistance for companies interested in improving top-line growth, bottom-line profitability or needs assistance solving problems. Grant funded assessment tool provides timely feedback at no cost to company. Project based service costs are reduced by grant funding.  
Veterans' Administration Visit or call your local SC Works Center to see a veterans' representative.
Veteran Services
Applicants must be documented veterans. VA approved training programs, such as Line Worker and Truck Driving. On the job training or apprenticeships may qualify. Monthly stipend for living expenses equal to minimum wage for regional starting pay.  
readySC Lucinda Sutton
York Technical College
suttonl@sctechsystem.edu

ReadySC

Ten or more new full-time jobs due to relocation or expansion within service area. Positions should be permanent, pay comparable wages and include health care coverage. Up to 100% of training (instructors' salary, etc.) covered. readySC may
partner w/ CE
to provide training
Department of Commerce: Job Development Credit (803) 737-0400
State Discretionary Incentives
Ten or more new full-time jobs due to relocation or expansion within service area. Positions should be permanent, pay comparable wages and include health care coverage. Eligible expenditures include new building construction, purchase of existing facility or renovations, improvements to private or public utilities, pollution control equipment, and fixed transportation. $4,000 application fee. The plan must be approved by DOC. Offset of eligible expenditures made 60 days before receipt of approved application or within 5 years of approval. Rebates on company's withholding taxes.  
Job Tax Credit (803) 898-5786
South Carolina Tax Credits And Incentives
     
Enterprise Zone: Retraining Credit York Technical College
(803) 327-8017
Workforce and Economic Development Employer Resources
An Enterprise Zone Retraining Credit, common in states like South Carolina (retrainSC), incentivizes companies to upskill existing production/tech workers by offering a payroll tax credit (often up to $1,000/employee) for approved training on new tech, processes, or safety, helping them stay competitive; companies must partner with technical colleges, meet specific criteria (like matching training funds), and file specific forms (e.g., SC's WH-1605Z/1606Z) to claim these state-administered refunds against withholding taxes. 
How It Works (SC Example)
  1. Apply: The company applies for certification with the State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education (SBTCE).
  2. Agreement: An agreement is made with the SBTCE and a local technical college for approved training plans (upskilling, new tech, etc.).
  3. Training: The company pays for training, which can include instructor fees, materials, or even internal development.
  4. Claim Credit: The company claims a credit (often $1,000 per employee) against state withholding taxes using forms like WH-1605Z/1606Z.
  5. Compliance: An annual review ensures training aligns with the plan, and the company must spend at least $1 for every $1 claimed. 
Key Benefits
  • Workforce Development: Keeps employees' skills current with new equipment and processes.
  • Tax Savings: Reduces payroll tax liability, acting as a direct rebate.
  • Competitiveness: Helps businesses remain strong in a changing economy. 
Examples of Eligible Training
  • Implementing new equipment or advanced processes.
  • Safety refresher courses.
  • Management development or production-related recertification. 
Administration
  • South Carolina: Handled by the SC Technical College System and the SC Dept. of Revenue (DOR).
  • Other States: Similar programs exist (e.g., Indiana offers credits for new jobs/investment, Texas has a sales tax refund program). 
In essence, it's a strategic state incentive for businesses to invest in their existing teams, rather than just new hires, to boost productivity and economic growth within designated areas (Enterprise Zones). 
Intended to train
current staff.
SC Registered Apprenticeship Job Tax Credit Apprenticeship
Carolina,
(803) 397-0278
Apprenticeship Carolina
Company has
Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship(s).
Generally these have a minimum of 2,000 training hours, which 144 hours of classroom training.

The combination of customized job-related education and supervised on-the-job learning provides a number of benefits for participating employers.

Highly-Skilled Workforce

On-the-job training along with job-related educational instruction gives employees a full understanding of their job — both the “how” and the “why”.  Employees clearly see the impact their actions have on such important measures as productivity, quality, safety and customer service.

State Tax Credit

Eligible businesses can receive a South Carolina tax credit of $1,000 per apprentice per year for up to four years.

Standardized Training

Registered apprenticeship provides an opportunity for employers to build a structured, consistent training program that ensures reliable workforce performance that meets both organization and industry standards.

Reduced Turnover

Organizations committed to investing in their workforce experience increased employee motivation and morale. Companies sponsoring registered apprenticeship programs often enjoy a cluster of loyal, skilled workers who represent potential leaders for the organization.

Increased Productivity

As apprenticeship participants hone their skills, employers experience a noticeable contribution to the bottom line through higher quality levels and productivity. Employees have a deeper understanding of their jobs and use this knowledge to best meet the business needs of your organization.

A Reliable Plan for the Future

As many industries face an aging workforce, registered apprenticeship ensures a system structured to successfully facilitate the transfer of knowledge from experienced employees to new recruits.

 
SC Vocational Rehabilitation Dept Shannon Reed
Area Supervisor - Rock Hill / Lancaster

Rock Hill Office
(803) 327-7106

Lancaster Office
(803) 285 6909
sreed@scvrd.net

South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation
Those with a mental or physical problems related to employment can qualify through a Vocational  Rehabilitation case manager. Career guidance, case management and funds available for qualified students. There are also work training centers that can reduce costs for companies.