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

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  • 400+ middle school students annually
  • Interactive STEM displays led by Industries
  • Guided tours of technology at area technical college
  • Parent orientation and involvement

Ross McKenzie Emerging Leaders

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  • 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

 Click here for more information

eSTEAM Sumter Festival

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  • Interactive family festival promoting STEM education and careers
  • 90+ industry, education and business booths
  • 7,500+ 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

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  • 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
  • "Employed, enrolled, or enlisted!"

Lunch Buddies

Utensils icon
  • Elementary school students are paired with community leaders and career professionals for mentoring and career exploration while chatting and chewing.

Manufacturers & Technology Expo

Cogs / Gears icon
  • 400+ middle school students annually
  • Interactive STEM displays led by Industries
  • Guided tours of technology at area technical college
  • Parent orientation and involvement

Ross McKenzie Emerging Leaders

Handshake icon
  • 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

 Click here for more information

eSTEAM Sumter Festival

Cogs / Gears icon
  • Interactive family festival promoting STEM education and careers
  • 90+ industry, education and business booths
  • 7,500+ 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

Network icon
  • 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
  • "Employed, enrolled, or enlisted!"

Lunch Buddies

Utensils icon
  • Elementary school students are paired with community leaders and career professionals for mentoring and career exploration while chatting and chewing.
Erika Williams, GCDF, MEDP photo"

Meet Our Expert

Erika Williams, GCDF, MEDP photo

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

Meet Our Expert

Erika Williams, GCDF, MEDP photo

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