By Grant Merritt
Southeastern Community College
With the mission to serve as many students in our community as possible, Southeastern Community College established a pathway for Black’s Tire Service employees to earn their high school equivalency diploma at their corporate office in Whiteville. Through the Transitional Studies program, BTS employees are completing their HiSET exams in math, reading, writing, science and social studies for free.
“We’re very fortunate that our local businesses and industries recognize the pool of employees who come into their facilities who need upskilling,” said Dr. Chris English, SCC President. “Some of that upskilling are the basics like math and English and sometimes English as a second language, but they understand the needs of their employees.”
English said that Black’s Tire Service has proven themselves as viable partners through the apprenticeship program, advisory committees, SCC’s automotive systems technology program and now with Transitional Studies.
“Southeastern Community College is the workforce training arm of Columbus County, and we’re here to serve our community, our local businesses, industry partners and stakeholders,” English said. “Our partnership with Black’s Tire Service is another example of providing a service to better our community in producing valuable employees.”
Angela Zokal, Transitional Studies Instructor of the class, has 22 years of teaching experience and also teaches business and finance classes at South Columbus High School. She said the class just finished its third semester at the Black’s Tire Service corporate office after starting in fall 2023.
“The great thing about this program is that they work at their own pace,” Zokal said. “The class typically meets on Mondays and Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and it’s so convenient for them.”
Zokal explained that Gary Collier, BTS’s human resources director, checks in on every student to provide tutoring support and technology needs such as laptops. With each student already employed, Zokal said that BTS’s commitment to its employee’s education was “very impressive.”
“Black’s Tire is very hands-on with these guys because they don’t just hand it to us and walk off,” Zokal said. “I think it shows how much Black’s Tire values education and how they’re trying to get their employees to reach their goals. Southeastern is going that extra mile to come to the students and make sure the community has what it needs.”
Zokal said her favorite part of instructing the class is building the relationships with the students and “feeling welcomed into the Black’s Tire family.”
“Between Southeastern and Black’s, the support is always there,” Zokal said.
Colby Allen, a BTS employee, is one of Zokal’s students working toward his high school equivalency diploma. He said the convenience of clocking out of work and going to class right after was a big drawing point. His favorite subject is social studies.
Before he started at BTS, Allen was working toward his high school equivalency diploma. He paused his educational pursuit when BTS hired him. When he discovered the Transitional Studies program through SCC and the partnership with BTS, he continued his journey to obtain his diploma.
“This has been a personal goal of mine, to accomplish this,” Allen said. “My dad didn’t graduate high school. My mom is the only one in my immediate family who did, and she became a CNA.”
BTS President and Owner Ricky Benton said the company is always looking for ways to give back and help their employees move up the corporate ladder. With BTS employees earning their high school equivalency diploma, Benton said they are broadening their areas of expertise that could lead to higher paying jobs.
“We have a great partnership with Black’s Tire Service,” said Veronica Powell, Director of Transitional Studies. “Black’s Tire has positions for people without a high school diploma, and they make pretty good money. Black’s Tire wants to invest in their team.”
Ready to earn your high school equivalency diploma and jumpstart your career? Contact the Transitional Studies program at veronica.powell@sccnc.edu or 910-788-6326.
