Spartanburg Community College and Cherokee County School District's Institute of Innovation Sign HVAC Articulation Agreement

GAFFNEY, SC - Spartanburg Community College (SCC) and Cherokee County School District's Institute of Innovation have officially entered into a new articulation agreement for the 2026–2027 academic year, creating a seamless educational pathway for students pursuing careers in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC).

This agreement reflects a shared commitment to student success by aligning secondary and postsecondary coursework, reducing duplication of mastered competencies, and accelerating students’ progress toward certificates and associate degrees in high-demand technical fields.

Through this partnership, students who successfully complete the HVAC program at the Institute of Innovation will have the opportunity to earn college credit toward SCC’s HVAC certificate and/or associate degree programs. The agreement is designed to encourage continued education, reduce the cost of higher education, and support workforce development across Cherokee County and the state of South Carolina.

“This HVAC articulation agreement exemplifies the power of partnership by aligning education, industry, and innovation to advance talent and strengthen our workforce. We are grateful for the leadership of Dr. Fitzpatrick, the Cherokee County School District Board of Trustees, and the long-standing impact of our Institute of Innovation on SCC’s Cherokee County Campus. This agreement sets the stage for future partnerships that will drive workforce readiness and community prosperity in Cherokee County and beyond for many years to come,” said Dr. Michael Mikota, President of Spartanburg Community College.

Students participating in the program must meet established academic and technical competencies, complete SCC admission requirements, and enroll in the HVAC program within the designated timeframe following high school completion. Qualified students may receive articulated credit at no cost, helping them enter the workforce more quickly and with less financial burden.

“Cherokee County School District is pleased to join Spartanburg Community College in this new venture. Our students stand to have substantial gain through their combined experiences at the Institute of Innovation and SCC. Not only will participating students have the opportunity to master competencies during secondary courses of study, but also they will secure mastery through a post-secondary program, promoting their pursuit to complete a post-secondary education. The articulation agreement will lower the costs for CCSD students seeking higher education and offer a smooth transition between the two. This step is a win for Cherokee County students and for the growth of our College and Career Readiness,” said Dr. Raashad Fitzpatrick, Superintendent of Cherokee County School District.

By strengthening the connection between high school and college programs, SCC and the Institute of Innovation continue to invest in a skilled workforce pipeline that meets the evolving needs of local industry while opening doors for student success.