According to the June report of the magazine,

Community College Week,

Columbia’s Midland’s Technical College (MTC) has soared to first place in the number of associate degrees awarded to African–American students in the last academic year of 2008–2009. The college was also ranked in the top 50 higher education institutions in the nation for awarding associate degrees to African American students.

“Midlands Technical College is very proud of its role in providing a pathway to higher education and career training for minority and non–traditional students,” said Dr. Marshall (Sonny) White, Jr., college president.

The college has taken significant steps to address the issue of under–representation of African Americans in the world of higher education, according to a press release. College outreach to minorities has increased, and special attention is being paid to linking higher education to future financial success and the ability to handle personal responsibilities.

In 2006 the college created the African American Male Leadership Institute and the Sister Circle for African American women. Both organizations are committed to keeping its members in school, developing their leadership potential, and promoting academic as well as personal success in the black student community.

“We understand that education is the key to raising the quality of life for families, and the education at Midlands Technical College is targeted to assist individuals to succeed in their chosen career fields,” White said.

The main components of the institute’s outreach programs for the African American men and women are accomplished through workshops, speakers, mentorship, and a yearly conference that brings students from across the southeast together, according to the school website.

The first conference was held in February of 1993 in North Carolina, and for three consecutive years the forum grew. Because of the increasing interest of schools outside of North Carolina and in an effort to better reflect the region of the student population it served, in 1996 the North Carolina African American Student Leadership Conference (NCAASLC) became the Southeastern African American Student Leadership Conference (SEAASLC).

Through the rising participation of African American and other minority students, SEAASLC continues to fulfill its legacy of leadership, making it a successful vehicle for both the African American community and its students, the website states.

The conference is traditionally held on the first weekend of February, uniting students, faculty, staff, and nationally renowned speakers.

SEAASLC, now supported through conference fees and the host institution, is hosted in alternate years by a willing college or university but returns home to the University of North Carolina Wilmington biannually.

It focuses on personal as well as professional development, leadership skill, accountability, self discipline, and intellectual development, the web page said.

With those points in place, students stay in school, and social and financial responsibilities are promoted, the site added.