Today’s Students Tomorrow’s Teachers (TSTT) is proud to announce a historic partnership with South Carolina State University (SCSU), marking TSTT’s first formal partnership with a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and a major milestone in the national effort to diversify and expand the teacher workforce.
University officials joined Dr. Bettye Perkins, founder and CEO of TSTT, in signing a Memorandum of Understanding during a special ceremony held on the SCSU campus in Orangeburg, South Carolina.
“This is laying the foundation for a bigger vision,” Perkins said. “A vision that at all of our HBCUs, we can strengthen our teacher education programs.”
Founded more than 30 years ago, TSTT is a nationally recognized nonprofit committed to addressing teacher shortages by recruiting, mentoring, and preparing culturally diverse and economically challenged students for careers in education. Through partnerships with schools and colleges, TSTT builds a sustainable pipeline of future educators and leaders.
“Today, there have been 1,700 students who have gone through the program,” Perkins noted, “and most importantly, there are 400 alumni teachers and leaders who are giving back and strengthening classrooms and communities across the country.”
A Transformational Scholarship Pathway
Through this landmark agreement, South Carolina State University will award up to five Presidential Scholarships annually for five years to qualified TSTT students beginning in Fall 2026. These scholarships will cover full tuition, room and board, books, and mandatory fees through the prestigious Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College.
This partnership creates a structured pathway for high-achieving TSTT students to pursue undergraduate degrees in teacher education at SC State while receiving academic distinction, leadership development, and comprehensive support.
Strengthening a Legacy of Teacher Education
Dr. Frederick Evans, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at SC State, emphasized the partnership’s importance to the university’s mission:
“For generations, South Carolina State University has prepared educators to serve in classrooms across South Carolina and beyond, particularly in communities where excellent teachers are most needed. The partnership with Today’s Students, Tomorrow’s Teachers strengthens that legacy by creating intentional, sustainable pathways into the profession.”
Dr. M. Evelyn Fields, Dean of the SC State College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, highlighted SC State’s historic role:
“We were founded on the premise that we would prepare teachers at a time when opportunity was limited to serve communities that had been historically underserved. From our very beginning, our mission has been rooted in access, equity and excellence.”
A National Moment, Celebrated with Congressman James E. Clyburn
The partnership was formally celebrated during a Teacher Education Partnership Signing Ceremony attended by U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn, underscoring the national significance of this collaboration.
Congressman Clyburn, whose late wife, the Honors College is named, praised Dr. Perkins’ vision and underscored the importance of investing in future educators:
“That’s why programs like this are so important, to get young people coming to this campus from similar backgrounds… Get them to see beyond their circumstances, get them to understand how successful they can be.”
Clyburn also shared:
“I am where I am today because I started my professional career as a public schoolteacher.”
Building the Future of Education — Together
The partnership between TSTT and South Carolina State University reflects a bold investment in aspiring educators and affirms the critical role of HBCUs in shaping the next generation of diverse, high-quality teachers.
Together, TSTT and SCSU are strengthening classrooms and communities through mentorship, scholarship, and opportunity, ensuring that tomorrow’s students are taught by educators who reflect, understand, and uplift the communities they serve.
Strengthening Classrooms and Communities through Mentorship and Scholarship
For more information about Today’s Students, Tomorrow’s Teachers and our growing network of college partnerships, please visit www.tstt.org.
Link to SCSU website article: SC State becomes 1st HBCU to partner with TSTT to strengthen diverse educator pipeline
Photos From The Event
