Student interest in criminal justice coupled with the district’s robust dual credit programming has led Rock Hill Schools, in partnership with York Technical College, to add necessary courses to create a launch pad for a career in law enforcement.
Three law enforcement dual credit courses have been added to the district’s catalog of career opportunities for students. The courses – Criminal Law, Police Patrol, and Police Community Relations, along with Introduction to Criminal Justice which is already offered – will be available to students at the district’s Applied Technology Center (ATC) beginning in August 2020. In a dual credit course, students receive course credit through the school district and through a college or university partner.
Participating students who choose this new career pathway will be able to take all four criminal justice courses during their junior and/or senior years at ATC before transitioning to York Technical College to further their studies and complete York Tech’s Law Enforcement Certificate Program.
“We recognize the need in the Rock Hill community for qualified law enforcement personnel,” said Superintendent Bill Cook. “An October 2019 report shared by the York County Economic Development Council expressed a growing need in the law enforcement sector across York County for at least the next 10 years. This pathway demonstrates our responsiveness to student aspirations, community needs and our commitment to prepare our graduates for college or the workforce.”
Rock Hill Schools is committed to equipping its graduates with the skills, knowledge, and habits needed to be successful in the workplace and beyond, as well as opportunity for students and families to gain valuable college credits prior to high school graduation. The district’s dual credit program is one of three advanced studies avenues available in the district designed to help students experience college and begin their post-secondary studies prior to high school graduation.
Students interested in registering for the law enforcement career pathway courses should meet with their guidance counselor to enroll in Introduction to Criminal Justice, Criminal Law, Police Patrol, and Police Community Relations. For more information about the law enforcement pathway, dual credit programming in the district, or other opportunities related to college and career advancement for students, please contact Jennifer Morrison, Executive Director of Secondary Education, at (803) 981-1048 or by email.