Programs and Initiatives
Developing our talent because it matters
“Everyone wants a win, but a community must first set the stage with a game plan and a winning attitude along with players that are excited to be on the field.”
Jay Schwedler, President and CEO - Sumter Economic Development
“Everyone wants a win, but a community must first set the stage with a game plan and a winning attitude along with players that are excited to be on the field.”
Jay Schwedler, President and CEO - Sumter Economic Development
Developing our talent pipeline is critical to the continued success of this region. Therefore, we are taking great strides to safeguard the competitive advantage by creating programs that train and develop the talent necessary to fill the highly-skilled, highly-technical requirements of today’s manufacturing. After hosting a spirited Education Summit to align and develop a community-wide strategy, several ongoing programs have been implemented, to introduce, educate, and enrich the workforce agenda.
Manufacturers & Technology Expo
- 400+ 8th grade students annually
- Interactive STEM displays led by Industries
- Guided Tours of Technology at area technical college
- Parent Orientation and Involvement
Ross McKenzie Emerging Leaders
- Academically successful High School Juniors
- 9 Monthly sessions led by professors and career experts
- Program completers serve on organization boards and committees during their senior year
- 3 College credits earned through the University of South Carolina- Sumter Campus
eSTEAM Sumter Festival
- Interactive family festival promoting STEM education and careers
- 75+ Industry, education and business booths
- 6500 attendees from counties across the state
- Member – National Science Festival Alliance
- Internationally Recognized and Awarded
- Municipal Association of SC – Mainstreet Award Recipient
Graduate to Greatness
- Held in the spring as a Decision Day for graduating high school seniors who are undecided about their post graduation plans.
- Students have face-to-face interviews with hiring employers, local colleges and military installations
Manufacturers & Technology Expo
- 400+ 8th grade students annually
- Interactive STEM displays led by Industries
- Guided Tours of Technology at area technical college
- Parent Orientation and Involvement
Click here for more information
Ross McKenzie Emerging Leaders
- Academically successful High School Juniors
- 9 Monthly sessions led by professors and career experts
- Program completers serve on organization boards and committees during their senior year
- 3 College credits earned through the University of South Carolina- Sumter Campus
Click here for more information
eSTEAM Sumter Festival
- Interactive family festival promoting STEM education and careers
- 75+ Industry, education and business booths
- 6500 attendees from counties across the state
- Member – National Science Festival Alliance
- Internationally Recognized and Awarded
- Municipal Association of SC – Mainstreet Award Recipient
Click here for more information
Graduate to Greatness
- Held in the spring as a Decision Day for graduating high school seniors who are undecided about their post graduation plans.
- Students have face-to-face interviews with hiring employers, local colleges and military installations
Meet Our Expert

Erika Williams, GCDF, MEDP
Manager, Communications and Strategic Initiatives
QUICK FACTS
- 15+ Years of Public Relations
- Community Outreach and Program Developer
- Licensed SC Realtor
- Global Career Development Facilitator
Daughter. Speaker. Friend
Connect with Erika
Meet Our Expert

Erika Williams, GCDF, MEDP
Manager, Communications and Strategic Initiatives
Call Erika - 803-418-0709
Email Erika - .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
QUICK FACTS
- 15+ Years of Public Relations
- Community Outreach and Program Developer
- Licensed SC Realtor
- Global Career Development Facilitator
Daughter. Speaker. Friend