About Early College

Early College provides opportunities and removes barriers for high school-age students to access college courses and to pursue industry credentials for employment.

Who can participate in Early College?

Early College at GTC is available to any qualifying student of high school age in our service area (Greenville County). Students who are younger than 16 may have additional requirements, so please contact the Early College office for information.

Individual courses have specific admission criteria. To take a course, students must meet either the grade minimum requirements or satisfy the placement requirements.

The following documentation will be required – see details on the Get Started page under 'Step 2 - Prepare Documentation':

  • Verification of US Legal Presence (with completed form and supporting documents)
  • Documentation of SAT/ACT test scores or placement exam scores (if used for specific course placement)
  • Up-to-date high school transcript (unofficial)
  • Completed Release of Information (FERPA) form 

What courses or programs can I take with Early College?

Visit Early College Options for information about what's available.

Where are Early College courses taught?

GTC Early College courses may be offered:

  • At partnering Greenville County high schools, charter schools and career centers
  • On any of our Greenville Technical College campuses
  • Online through distance learning options

Early College Contacts

Tameka Brown

Tameka Brown, Director

Joined the Early College team in January 2019. Tameka is responsible for the overall direction and leadership of the program. The program has grown by more than 40% under her leadership. She focuses on external relations. Tameka enjoys tennis, shopping and all things fabulous!

Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina

Fun Fact: Tameka once sold a home to a reality tv star.

(864) 250-6722
Tameka.Brown@gvltec.edu

Ron Bachman

Ron Bachman, Assistant Director

Joined the Early College team in December 2018.  Ron is the main point of contact for homeschool students and Career Center questions.  He enjoys golfing and spending time with his grandchildren.

Hometown: Burrillville, RI

Fun Fact: After completing a military tour, Ron backpacked around Europe for 4 months.

(864) 236-6521
Ron.Bachman@gvltec.edu

Cori Walter

Cori Walter, Program Coordinator

Joined Early College in 2015 then left to work in an area charter school in 2018. She couldn’t stay away and came back to Early College in the Spring of 2022.  Cori works primarily with our Greenville County High Schools who offer dual enrollment courses to students on their own campuses. She loves spending time outside in her garden and with her fur babies. And attempts to play golf once a week.

Hometown: Winter Spring, FL

Fun Fact: Cori spent over two years in Azerbaijan teaching English and Education to college students as a United States Peace Corps Volunteer.

(864) 250-8422
Cori.Walter@gvltec.edu

Sharyn Gmerek

Sharyn Gmerek, Administrative Coordinator

Joined the Early College team in May 2017.  Some duties include working with the high school counselors to acquire/maintain access in Student Planning.  She is also a reporting geek.  Sharyn enjoys books and ‘treasure hunting’ at estate sales and consignment stores.

Hometown: Cordova, SC (Orangeburg County)

Fun Fact: Sharyn is in a YouTube video that has been viewed by over 6 million people (Eric Whitacre’s Virtual Choir – Lux Aurumque)

(864) 250-8733
Sharyn.Gmerek@gvltec.edu

Student Rights & Parent Access

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of the educational records of students.

  • We ask that all students who participate in Early College have a Release of Information (FERPA) form on file.  The FERPA form allows the Early College school counselor to register & complete course changes for students, verify attendance, and receive grade report information. Parents have access to the same, including billing, academic misconduct, grades and admissions information. 

The following are some working guidelines for the Greenville Technical College Early College program:

  • Students must have accountability for their enrollment in college courses. Students should develop advocacy skills and learn to communicate with instructors on their own regarding academic matters.
  • While parents should not contact instructors regarding students’ grades and academic progress, parents may attend a student-instructor conference.  Meetings should be arranged and guided by the student rather than the parent.

Greenville Technical College (GTC) encourages all students to promptly register and resolve their complaints or grievances. In addition, GTC desires to address and resolve any complaints by students in a considerate, reasonable and timely manner.

Institutional Complaint Form - Access for current students »