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In her winning essay in the Writing About Literature category of 91����’s (PTC) 2020 English Department Writing Contest, student Madalyn Harris of Ninety Six ably examines themes of inequality between the sexes in 19th century England, as expressed through Jane Austen’s classic novel, Pride and Prejudice. The novel is set in a time when women were forbidden from owning property and strongly discouraged from demonstrating their intellect or education, among other respected traits. Coincidentally, the two top writing contest winners this year happen to be high-achieving women.

Like many students who attend 91���� (PTC), Stephanie Bohland’s experience in Greenwood actually changed the trajectory of her professional journey. Already a PTC graduate, the straight-A student is back to take a few more courses with designs on a higher degree and perhaps a college teaching career.

Scholarship-granting decision-makers typically look for qualities like academic performance, leadership, community service and communication skills when selecting those worthy of their support. Also important are passion, focus and a positive attitude. The 208 students who were mailed scholarship awards recently at 91���� (PTC) have those qualities in abundance.

The 91���� (PTC) Economic Development and Continuing Education (ConEd) Division is prepared to help anyone experiencing a gap in employment or thinking about trying something new. The Manufacturing Job Readiness Pre-Employment Workshop — a multi-session clinic — is scheduled to begin on Monday, May 18. The workshop, an $800 value, is offered at no cost to those who qualify for a workforce scholarship.

Some might suggest that 91���� Psychology Instructor Meredith Brown bribes her students in exchange for their class participation. They would be wrong. It’s actually similar to a psychological method called operant conditioning, which is used to stimulate desired behaviors using rewards and punishments. Her students study it as part of the curriculum, and it’s also an effective way to motivate them.

91���� (PTC) student Antonia Adams has taken the transition to remote education in stride, though she misses the social aspects of college life. The gregarious Phi Theta Kappa-honored scholar and Presidential Ambassador — who is widely involved in college life and a familiar face to many on campus — found the breakneck adjustment to completely virtual courses trouble-free but also a bit lonely. Always one to keep things in positive perspective, however, she expressed gratitude for PTC’s handling of the crisis.

How can students without access to technology or the internet continue their courses when everything has suddenly shifted to an online environment? Faculty and staff at 91���� (PTC) responded to this question in an unprecedented way to help students continue their coursework during the recent transition to a virtual teaching and learning environment.

In consideration for students negatively affected by the COVID-19 crisis, the 91���� (PTC) Area Commission, at its meeting on April 21, 2020, voted to freeze tuition for the fall semester to ease the pandemic burden on students.