FDTC announces expansion plans for new facility in Hartsville

Florence-Darlington Technical College (FDTC) is excited to announce plans to construct a new educational facility in Hartsville, furthering its commitment to providing quality education and workforce training in the region. This new campus will enable the college to serve a greater number of students while offering programs that meet the needs of the local economy.

“By expanding our presence in Hartsville, we’re committed to making educational opportunities more accessible and aligning our programs with the workforce demands of the region,” FDTC President Dr. Jermaine Ford said. “This new facility will allow us to better support both students and the local economy.”

The decision to construct a new facility in Hartsville is part of FDTC’s mission to expand access to high-quality education and workforce training. The new campus will support the college’s efforts to better serve the educational needs of Hartsville and surrounding areas, particularly in key industries such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, transportation, and warehousing.

Senator Gerald Malloy has been a huge proponent for a new Hartsville campus for years.

“The people of Hartsville, and Darlington County as a whole, deserve easy access to top-notch educational opportunities,” Malloy said. “With the growing demand for skill trades and closing the talent shortage, the investment into Florence-Darlington Technical College’s Hartsville Campus is an investment to the future generations within Hartsville, Darlington County, and our Pee Dee Region. I have been committed to securing state funding to make this new facility a reality. This investment will ensure our residents have access to the training and skills they need for the future.”

Thanks to the support of the region’s local delegation, including Malloy, the college has secured $30 million in funding for the Hartsville campus. FDTC is currently in the planning stages of determining the full construction and operational costs, which will guide the next steps for the project. While the specific location of the new Hartsville campus is yet to be determined, FDTC is actively exploring options to ensure the site is best positioned to serve the community. The timeline for construction is still in development as the college works through the planning and fundraising process.

Over the past two and a half years, FDTC’s Hartsville site has served more than 498 students. With the new expansion, the college anticipates serving over 500 students annually, along with continuing to support more than 100 students from the Darlington County School District through the college’s dual enrollment program.

“We are excited for the growth this facility could mean for the citizens of Hartsville and the surrounding areas,” FDTC Area Commission Chairwoman Dr. Ershela Sims said. “By investing in these new facilities, we’re not only expanding access to quality education but also strengthening our workforce to meet the demands of key industries in our region. This is an exciting time for FDTC, and the Area Commission is proud to play a role in shaping the future of education and workforce development in our region.”

The expanded Hartsville campus will offer a range of new programs tailored to the needs of the local job market. These include Advanced Manufacturing, Healthcare and Allied Healthcare Programs, Transportation, and Warehousing. These programs will equip students with industry-relevant skills, ensuring that graduates are prepared for in-demand careers in the region.

To learn more about FDTC or their current Hartsville camps visit fdtc.edu.