Launched in 2013, the Viking Early College (VEC) is an innovative and dynamic partnership between Spartanburg School District Seven (District) and Spartanburg Community College (SCC). This four-year accelerated program was designed as a forward-thinking alternative to the traditional high school experience, providing male students from Spartanburg High School (SHS) with the opportunity to earn both a high school diploma and an Associate in Arts degree. VEC students engage in dual enrollment courses taught by SCC faculty at SHS and conclude their high school journey by completing their studies on the main campus of SCC, preparing them for success in both higher education and their future careers.

The Viking Early College at Spartanburg Community College staff and students will establish a community environment that fosters effective learners who display skills necessary to become productive citizens and lifelong learners for the twenty-first century. From this community environment, five basic tenets will be taught as the fabric of the Viking Early College at Spartanburg Community College:

1. WELL-READ

Students will be encouraged to read books and choose an accomplished and prolific writer as one of their role models. Books open doors and allow us to peek through walls that society can sometimes build in front of us. Leaders must be well-read.

2. WELL-SPOKEN

Just as important as reading is the study of grammar and syntax. This reduces the necessity of relying on profanity or empty verbal placeholders like, ‘um, uh, ahh…’ or phrases like “you know what I’m saying?” Leaders mean what they say and they say what they mean.

3. WELL-TRAVELED

Seeing the world outside of your own community opens your eyes to opportunities as well as the needs of others. It creates a broader sense of “relevance”. Students will be encouraged to break new ground and embrace the concept of expanding their boundaries. Leaders not only do but they also go.

4. WELL-DRESSED

The way you dress not only reflects the way you feel about yourself; it also sends signals to the people around you. Viking Early College at Spartanburg Community College will adhere to the district’s

dress code but will incorporate opportunities for students to set themselves apart as members of a community of educated and ethical young men. Leaders present themselves in a respectful manner.

5. WELL-BALANCED

Being a strong leader is about attaining skills such as compassion, civility, integrity and even listening well. Students are expected to become self-disciplined, intellectually astute, humble and willing to lift others as they climb new heights. Being well-balanced prepares us for the unexpected and allows us the ability to act and react to the world in positive ways. Leaders are well-balanced and well-rounded.