Sonja Rush-Harvin, a lifelong advocate for education, has played a pivotal role in promoting dual enrollment opportunities in Williamsburg County. Born and raised in Kingstree, SC, Sonja attended East Clarendon High School before embarking on a career in education. Following in the footsteps of her mother, Gwendolyn Rush—one of the first instructors at Williamsburg Technical College—Sonja developed a deep passion for academic advancement within her community. She has dedicated 27 years to C.E. Murray High School (now C.E. Murray Middle School), serving in multiple roles including lab proctor, biology teacher, curriculum coordinator, and currently, Assistant Principal.
Sonja has been instrumental in supporting dual enrollment initiatives at C.E. Murray, where she once served as the school’s primary contact for the program. She has witnessed firsthand how these opportunities provide students with a head start on their college education while also easing financial burdens. “I’ve always instilled the importance of education,” Sonja stated. “Often, people aren’t able to afford higher education, so dual enrollment plays a significant role in helping students reduce costs while still obtaining a four-year degree. By taking advantage of these courses, students can complete an associates’ degree in high school, then continue to pursue a bachelors’ degree if desired post graduation.
Her commitment to the program is reflected in her own children’s success. All three of her children—Marcus, Darius, and Kayla—have participated in dual enrollment through Williamsburg Technical College. Marcus utilized his college credits to advance his business education at the University of South Carolina and later earned a master’s degree from Stanford University. Darius leveraged his dual enrollment experience to graduate in just three years from USC before entering the NFL, where he currently plays for the Kansas City Chiefs. Kayla, currently a junior at Kingstree High School, is on track to complete her associate degree through dual enrollment before graduating high school, positioning herself for academic and professional success.
Beyond its benefits for individual students, Sonja recognizes the positive impact dual enrollment has on the local community. “Now, you can’t just walk out of high school and get some of the higher-paying jobs students want,” she explained. “You need post-secondary education, and dual enrollment can help with that. Not only does it cover general studies, but students can also earn certifications in fields like HVAC or Welding, allowing them to enter the workforce immediately with salaries starting at $30,000 to $40,000 per year. In a small rural town like ours, these opportunities are invaluable.”
Williamsburg Technical College offers a variety of dual enrollment options designed to help high school students gain a competitive edge. The Dual Enrollment Advanced Learning (D.E.A.L.) program allows students to earn tuition-free college credits, while the Early College program provides selected 10th graders the chance to complete an associate degree before high school graduation. Additionally, the Career and Technology Education (C.A.T.E.) courses offer career-ready pathways for students interested in technical fields.
Sonja Rush-Harvin’s advocacy for dual enrollment underscores its role as a transformative force in students’ lives. Her dedication ensures that more students in Williamsburg County can access these opportunities and build successful futures. For more information about dual enrollment programs at Williamsburg Technical College, visit https://www.wiltech.edu/ or contact Paige Brown, Associate Vice President of Academics and Special Projects.
