By Hannah Isenhour
Southeastern Community College
Southeastern Community College is expanding to Bolton.
SCC representatives will be at the Bolton Town Hall and Senior Center today (May 12) and Thursday, May 14 from noon until 6 p.m. to help potential students learn about classes planned for the eastern Columbus County area.
SCC at Bolton will begin classes with the summer and fall 2026 semesters. Many classes will be free, while others will be low cost with financial aid opportunities available through WIOA at the NCWorks Career Center. The program will focus on reducing barriers that often prevent residents from pursuing education and training.
Dr. Brandon Jenkins, SCC’s Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, said SCC at Bolton is designed to expand the college’s reach to students who may not otherwise attend classes on the main campus. He explained that Columbus County’s large geographic footprint can make transportation a challenge for many residents. By using community sites such as Bolton, the college will offer educational opportunities closer to home for a wider population.
Courses at SCC at Bolton will be divided into Workforce Training, Transitional Studies and Community Enrichment. Summer Workforce Training classes will include Employment Skills, DSS Caseworker Part I, Fundamentals of Electrical Wiring and Motor Control Systems, Computer Literacy, NC Escort Vehicle Operator, Effective Teacher Training, Defensive Driving and Work Zone Flagger. Transitional Studies will offer a Basic Skills class, while Community Enrichment will feature Acrylic Painting.
Fall semester offerings will expand the schedule with additional workforce-focused courses. Workforce Training will include Truck Driver Training, HVAC: Refrigeration Systems Fundamentals, NC Escort Vehicle Operator, Defensive Driving, Computer Literacy, Employment Skills, Work Zone Flagger, Effective Teacher Training and DSS Caseworker Part II. Transitional Studies will again offer a Basic Skills class, and Community Enrichment will introduce an Intro to Genealogy course.
Jenkins said SCC at Bolton grew out of early conversations between Bolton officials, including Mayor Shawn Maynor and SCC President Dr. Chris English. He explained that the idea developed through collaboration with the college’s academic leadership team. Jenkins said the program aligns with the college’s goal of opening doors through student-centered learning, workforce development and cultural enrichment and will operate under the tagline, “Classes, support and opportunities close to home.”
Community leaders have voiced strong support for the partnership. J.R. Brown, Director of Business Development and Community Engagement for Self-Help, said the initiative will create meaningful opportunities for residents across eastern Columbus County.
“This is more than just access to classes; it’s access to opportunity, growth and a stronger future for our communities,” Brown said.
An SCC representative will be available at the Bolton Town Hall from 12:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. to assist students with registration for summer classes. While some courses begin next week, additional classes will start throughout June and July, giving residents multiple opportunities to enroll and get started. Community members are encouraged to stop by, explore available programs and receive one on one assistance with registration.
For more information about SCC at Bolton, call 910.788.6279 or visit A-Building on SCC’s campus. To register for classes, click here .
