Our state, like the rest of the nation, is searching for the right tools to restart our economic engine. South Carolina's Technical College System is one of those tools. Throughout the state, the Technical College System provides the trained workforce needed to give the state a jumpstart out of the current economic situation. As part of that system, Midlands Technical College serves Fairfield, Lexington and Richland counties.

The November 2008 unemployment rates in these counties respectively are 11.9%, 6.0%, and 7.2%. These statistics indicate the need to retool the workforce to fit the new economy of South Carolina's future and to do so quickly. It is estimated 65% of jobs in the future will require advanced training or an associate's degree. Midlands Technical College is equipped to provide this skilled training today. And in contrast to 30 years ago, this skilled training is in areas such as nuclear engineering, nanotechnology, and medical specialties.

In 2008, Midlands Technical College enrolled more than 11,000 students and graduated more than 1,700 students. These students represented diverse programs such as nursing, engineering, and accounting, and they were largely South Carolinians. Ninety- six percent of all students enrolled in South Carolina technical colleges in 2007 were in- state residents. Not surprisingly, 85% of technical college graduates remain in state, directly contributing to South Carolina's economic prosperity. Many of our students go on to our four- year colleges and universities. Fifty- six percent of undergraduates started on their road to higher education at a technical college, many going into the nursing and teaching professions. Midlands Technical College offers Bridge Programs in critical areas such as engineering that allow students to complete their first two years at the college before moving on to USC and, thereby, providing tremendous cost savings to students and their parents.

Enrollment at technical colleges rises in correlation with unemployment. As laid- off workers judge their options, community colleges are often their only means to access the skills needed to enter the new workforce. Technical colleges also provide opportunities for those who have the least access to higher education. Thirty- nine percent of graduates of community colleges nationwide are the first to attend college in their immediate families.

In this tough economy, South Carolina must rely on its own residents to rebuild its future. South Carolina's technical college graduates can be the driving force to a sustainable economic future. At Midlands Technical College, we expect to equal or surpass our 2008 enrollment, and yet, our funding for fiscal year 2008- 09 has been cut by nearly 25%.

In real terms, this means fewer openings in critical programs, increased class size, and fewer options as to time and location. The faculty, staff, administration, and trustees of Midlands Technical College are deeply committed to continuing the mission of providing skilled workers to fuel the economic jumpstart that South Carolina desperately needs. At the same time, we are committed to making the most of every dollar to directly benefit our students and our state. We respectfully ask for the support of our communities, our legislature, and our governor in recognizing our mission as critical to the future of South Carolina's economic health.
Ronny Burkett
Chairman
Midlands Technical College Commission