Southeastern Technical College Earns Cognia Accreditation
Courtesy of Southeastern Technical College
Southeastern Technical College (STC) announced today that it has earned Cognia Accreditation for the Southeastern Technical College Academy (STCA). Cognia is a nonprofit organization that provides quality assurance for schools, school districts, and education service providers.
“Accreditation as conferred by the Cognia Global Accreditation Commission provides Southeastern Technical College Academy a nationally recognized mark of quality for our school,” shared Larry Calhoun, Southeastern Technical College president. “It demonstrates to our community our commitment to excellence, our willingness to enact meaningful change based on evaluation and feedback, and our desire to be the best we can be on behalf of the students we serve.”
Cognia recognizes schools across the globe that meet rigorous standards focused on productive learning environments, equitable resource allocation, and effective leadership. To earn Cognia accreditation, a school must submit to internal and external review. Earning accreditation from the Cognia Global Accreditation Commission means that the school meets Cognia Performance Standards and maintains a commitment to continuous improvement. Schools in good standing can maintain their accreditation for a sixyear term.
Dr. Mark A. Elgart, president and CEO of Cognia, stated, “Cognia Accreditation is a rigorous process that focuses the entire school and its community on the primary goal of ensuring all students can flourish in engaging and equitable learning environments. We commend Southeastern Technical College for meeting high standards and making progress on key indicators that impact student learning.”
Cognia is the parent organization of the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC), and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). Parents and interested community members can learn more about Cognia Accreditation at cognia.org. Southeastern Technical College Expands Opportunities for Students of All Ages Southeastern Technical College continues to broaden access to education with programs that serve high school students, adult learners, and individuals seeking career advancement. Whether learners are finishing a high school diploma, beginning college coursework, or gaining job-ready skills, STC offers multiple pathways to success. Career Plus High School Diploma (CPH) Program Launched in August 2024, the Career Plus High School Diploma program gives adult learners a second chance to earn a high school diploma while preparing for a career. Students complete required high school courses online through the Technical College System of Georgia and receive in-person academic support from STC instructors. Along the way, they can earn industry-recognized credentials that lead to immediate employment or further college study. The program’s flexible, affordable structure helps students overcome common barriers such as scheduling and technology access.
The Southeastern Technical College Academy serves students enrolled in the CPH program. Adult learners ages 18 and older complete nine high school credits alongside two Technical Certificates of Credit. Credits may be awarded from previously earned high school coursework, STCA’s high school classes, or portions of the GED. This flexible model provides multiple entry points and individualized pacing. STCA currently holds a 100% pass rate in high school courses.
“Earning this accreditation validates what we see every day: CPH changes lives,” said Daphne Scott, CPH Coordinator. “Our students gain more than a diploma—they gain confidence, purpose, and a pathway to a better future. And those outcomes ripple throughout our community and beyond—supporting local businesses, strengthening families, and expanding economic opportunity.” Traditional Enrollment at STC STC continues to offer certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees in high-demand fields such as healthcare, business, technology, and industrial trades. Programs are developed with input from local employers to ensure graduates are workforce-ready. With affordable tuition, financial aid options, and dedicated faculty, STC provides accessible and highquality higher education for learners seeking to enhance their skills.
Career Academy and Dual Enrollment STC is proud to have the new EDGE College and Career Academy, a partnership with Emanuel County Schools, that allows students to earn college credit while still in high school. Through the Dual Enrollment program, students can take courses in career and technical fields, gaining hands-on experience and college-level learning without the cost of tuition. The Career Academy is designed to provide students a head start on their chosen career paths, whether they plan to enter the workforce right after graduation or continue their education. A Place for Every Learner
Southeastern Technical College’s driving force is to prepare students for success in life and work, and is proud to offer multiple pathways to get there.
Located in southeast Georgia, STC serves Candler, Emanuel, Jenkins, Johnson, Montgomery, Tattnall, Toombs, and Treutlen counties. With campuses in Vidalia and Swainsboro, the College offers more than 90 programs.
About Cognia
Cognia is a global, nonprofit improvement organization dedicated to helping institutions and other education providers grow learners, teachers, and leaders. Cognia offers accreditation and certification, assessment, and improvement services within a framework of continuous improvement. Serving 40,000 public and private institutions from early learning through high school in more than 90 countries, Cognia brings a global perspective to advancing teaching and learning.
For more information about the CPH program or any opportunity at Southeastern Technical College, call (478) 289-2200 or visit southeasterntech.edu.
