Leadership South Carolina

As the state's oldest leadership development program, Leadership SC is dedicated to educating and enlightening highly motivated people to prepare them for statewide public service. LSC believes the best way to positively impact the state is through education and awareness of the most pressing challenges facing SC today, and instilling enthusiasm about tackling these challenges so that beneficial outcomes will be part of our state's future.

Leadership South Carolina is not for those who want to sit on the sidelines. Prepare to learn more about the Palmetto State in an environment that is uniquely "South Carolinian." We believe the best way to positively impact the state is through education and awareness of the most pressing challenges facing South Carolina today so that beneficial outcomes will be part of our state's future. Each class is a diverse group of 50 individuals, participating in our nine-month program of informational sessions on current issues and the opportunity to freely discuss those issues with provocative experts and professionals. Every session has opportunities to network and develop relationships with other highly motivated participants.
The core program of six 3-day sessions runs from September to April of each year. Sessions typically begin midday Wednesday and run through midday Friday. One session, other than the mandatory Orientation Session, during the class year may be missed without penalty. Participants will complete 120+ hours of instruction in all aspects of challenges that face South Carolinians and complete a project of statewide impact. Leadership South Carolina is the only statewide leadership development program that examines the entire state and searches for beneficial outcomes. Each year, the class develops, creates and implements a class project to benefit the state which culminates their Leadership South Carolina experience. Many class projects raise awareness of a particular issue, provide funding for an underrepresented organization, or create a fundraising campaign to assist a charity. Upon completion of Leadership South Carolina, participants are ready to serve on statewide board or commissions, run for public office, or hold city, town, or county offices. Most graduates serve on at least one community organization, many supporting three or more influential organizations, such as the United Way, SC Bar Foundation, SC First Steps, American Red Cross, and South Carolina Chamber of Commerce.

Testimonials

"We were able to listen, learn and share important Regional and State concerns ranging from Education, Social Issues, Environment and Economic Development. I will always cherish the opportunity this program offered to meet other Leaders from SC and look forward to continue to work and collaborate with them in the future."

- Keith Brown, Leadership SC Class of 2017, Hitachi, Greenville, SC

"Leadership SC has been an inspiring and rewarding experience for me. Not only did I meet and get to know some of the most brilliant minds in South Carolina, I was challenged to learn more about our illustrious state and what it has to offer generations to come. I am honored to be a part of such an outstanding and distinguished group."

- Tiffany Freeman, Leadership SC Class of 2017, Bluecross Blueshield of SC