Program Participation Determination

Beginning no earlier than the end of a student’s eighth grade academic school year, or later if determined by the student’s individualized education program (IEP) team, and updated annually thereafter, the IEP team will determine if the student’s expected high school outcome will be to attain a state high school diploma, a state-recognized South Carolina High School Credential, or district attendance certificate. The course of study identified in the IEP will match this determination and support the student’s postsecondary goals. 

Employability Credential Requirements 

The South Carolina High School Credential program consists of 24 units of coursework aligned with the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate and the South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Standards. These courses may be personalized by content area and may include both credit-bearing (Carnegie) and non-credit bearing (Credential)

Additionally, a student must: 

• develop a career portfolio that includes a multimedia presentation project 

• attain work readiness assessment results that demonstrate the student is ready for competitive employment 

• complete work-based learning/training that totals at least 360 hours 

Work-based learning/training requirements:

Work-based learning and training completed during the program: 

• maybe school-based, community-based, and/or paid or unpaid employment 

• must be aligned with the student’s interests, preferences, and postsecondary goals and individual graduation plan 

• for paid employment, must pay a minimum wage or above and in compliance with the requirements of the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act