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By Bryan Penberthy, Columbia Campus
Director of Academic Affairs
D
avid Bupe’s desire to learn about
electronics began halfway around the
world in his homeland of Zambia. “Ever
since I was a kid I wanted to learn about
electronics and engineering,” says David.
“When we were small, my dad visited
America and he brought back electronic
toy race cars for my brother and me. We
tore them apart to see how to make them
work differently. So, our parents then de-
cided to get us electronics kits.”
Not long afterward, his family moved to the
United States, eventually settling in South
Carolina. Between his propensity to learn
things on his own and the opportunity to
attend American schools, David flourished.
“Education is my number one priority,” he
says. “If you want to accomplish any-
thing in life, having a dream is important,
but without knowledge, it will be a pipe
dream.”
Now an Electronics Engineering Technol-
ogy student at ECPI University’s Columbia
Campus, David has excelled in the class-
room and beyond. He says he was drawn
to ECPI’s small class sizes, the opportunity
for one-on-one interaction with faculty,
and the ability to finish quickly through the
University’s accelerated schedule.
As if he weren’t busy enough, David con-
tinues to teach himself new things, primar-
ily languages. He has learned Japanese
and is currently working on Korean. He
eventually wants to learn French, Spanish,
and Italian, among others. “I like to think
of it as a game,” he says. “There’s noth-
ing like being
able to com-
municate with
someone in their own language. You’re not
only learning how to speak, but you learn
about their cultural mindset. Anything can
be accomplished so long as you work at it
consistently and don’t give up.”
Now more than halfway through his pro-
gram, David is excited about the education
he’s receiving, and has big plans for the fu-
ture. Following graduation, he would like to
work for an engineering firm or a company
that utilizes robotics. He’s also interested
in starting his own company. Wherever he
ends up, one thing is certain: for as long
as he’s on campus, he serves as a great
example to all who seek to achieve great
things.
A Journey of 8,000 Miles:
Columbia Student Inspires and Excels
A
pproximately 75 Dorchester School
District 2 high school students are
doing their part to bridge the STEM talent
gap in Charleston. They’re taking ac-
credited college-level courses in Com-
puter and Information Science through a
unique dual-enrollment agreement with
ECPI University. The program focuses on
providing students with work readiness
skills while conferring college credit and
preparing them for nationally-recognized,
in-demand industry certifications.
This hands-on education will not only
prepare them to enter college, but also
allows them to earn certifications needed
to directly enter the workforce – all at no
cost to parents or students. ECPI Uni-
versity is donating a large portion of the
course costs. In exchange, the District
will cover the direct costs of training the
students who are required to pass the
Compass university entrance exam to
participate.
“We want to be a workforce development
partner to the Charleston community in
developing tomorrow’s talent, today,” said
James Weaver, ECPI University Charles-
ton Campus President. Students began
with an introductory five-week Computer
and Information Science course this
past summer at their home high school.
Subsequent courses are being offered
at the traditional nine-week Dorchester 2
schedule this fall. In total, students can
select from nine courses, taking one each
term, over the next two years.
Students will be eligible to receive a num-
ber of certifications, including CompTIA’s
Network+, Security+, A+ and Cloud Es-
sentials. Superintendent Joe Pye stated,
“We are absolutely thrilled to partner
with ECPI University in this endeavor.
The preparation of a viable workforce is
a priority for our school district. Working
together to provide work-ready candi-
dates, especially in the area of information
technology, is exactly what educational
institutions should be doing.”
Charleston Campus Partners with School District to
Develop STEM Workforce
Dual-Enrollment Agreement Allows High School Students
to Earn College Credit/Certifications
“We are absolutely thrilled to
partner with ECPI University
in this endeavor. Working
together to provide work-ready
candidates, especially in the
area of information technology,
is exactly what educational
institutions should be doing.”
– Dorchester School District 2
Superintendent Joe Pye
Faculty member Getachew Abey assists
student Alex Herron.