Trident Technical College (TTC) has been awarded a $2.99 million, five-year Title III, Part A: Strengthening Institutions Program grant to help students make stronger connections between their education and future careers.

The Strengthening Institutions Program provides grants to eligible institutions of higher education to expand their capacity to serve low-income students and strengthen academic quality, institutional management and fiscal stability. For the fiscal year 2026 competition, the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration administered the program on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education.

The college's project, Building Bridges to Opportunity: Creating Seamless Pathways to Career Success, will develop resources to help students enroll in guided career pathways, engage in career preparation, complete their studies and transition into employment.

TTC serves students with a wide range of educational and career goals, many of whom balance college with work, family responsibilities and other demands. Through Building Bridges to Opportunity, the college will strengthen the resources and experiences that help students navigate their education, explore career opportunities, complete their studies and prepare for employment.

“This investment will help us strengthen the connection between the education our students receive at Trident Tech and the futures they are working to build,” said Dr. Vicky Wood, president of Trident Technical College. “We want every student to see a clear path from the classroom to a meaningful career and to have access to the opportunities and support that can help them reach their goals. This grant allows us to build on that commitment and strengthen how we prepare students for success beyond college.”

The grant period begins in October 2026 and will support work across the college to strengthen career-focused advising and student services. Major initiatives will include:

  • Developing guided career pathways that connect academic programs to career opportunities.
  • Redesigning advising with a greater focus on careers.
  • Expanding transfer pathways to four-year colleges and universities.
  • Developing curriculum focused on artificial intelligence and durable skills needed in the workplace.
  • Expanding work-based learning opportunities.
  • Creating a library of career exploration videos.
  • Establishing a centralized Career and Transfer Center offering comprehensive career-focused services and resources, with an anticipated opening in June 2028.

Dr. Yolanda Bland, assistant vice president of Student Engagement and Success, will serve as project director.

“Career preparation is most valuable when students have opportunities to explore their options and gain experience throughout their time in college,” Bland said. “This project will bring career exploration, advising and workplace experiences closer together, helping students make informed decisions about their education and prepare for the opportunities available to them after college.”

Employer and student input will help inform the initiative throughout the five-year grant period. Employers will share information about workforce needs, help develop work-based learning opportunities and participate in career exploration videos, among other activities. That involvement will help TTC strengthen connections between students' academic experiences and career opportunities.