Research has shown that the single greatest factor influencing student achievement is teacher quality.

The South Carolina Centers of Excellence program is a competitive grant program funded through the South Carolina Education Improvement Act of 1984 that enables eligible institutions, or groupings of such institutions, to serve as state-of-the-art resource centers for the state in a specific area related to the improvement of teacher education with a concentration on assisting rural, underperforming schools and districts. These resource centers develop and model state-of-the-art teaching practices, conduct research, disseminate information, and provide training for P-12 and higher education personnel in a center's specific area of expertise.

The centers promote a variety of programs and services, including:

• Alternative educator certification programs to prepare teachers to teach in high-need areas
• Professional development programs
• Research on teacher education and professional development
• Teacher retention and recruitment
• Leadership development and training at rural schools
• Retention and recruitment of diverse educators

Each year, centers must report back to the CHE on program progress. Institutions may also propose new centers during the grant proposal window.

Request For Proposals

• FY 2025-26 available Spring 2025
• FY 2023-24 Award Proposal Guidelines (PDF)
• FY 2023-24 Intent to Submit Proposal Form (Word Document)