Economic & Community Development

Clemson Extension agents with primary economic and community development responsibilities work closely with state extension specialists and researchers located on campus and at the various research and education centers located across the state. They provide expertise in topics ranging from leadership development, strategic planning, town charrettes and downtown redesign, entrepreneurial training and support, local economic development planning and support, local community development planning and support, industry cluster development, and economic impact analysis.

Local Agent

Alta Mae Marvin, 843-549-2595, Ext. 126, amarvin@clemson.edu

Opportunities

We are looking for volunteers to mentor at risk middle school students; training provided.

Programs

Builders of Tomorrow, Inspiring Leaders One Student at a Time, is a workforce readiness program focused on academic achievement, leadership and civic engagement for middle school students at risk of dropping out of school.  Students complete 15 hours of curriculum that includes team building, leadership, communication, civic engagement, and service learning classes.  Students also complete participate in a course on Coordinated Approach to Childhood Health (CATCH) which teaches nutrition and exercise. The 452 students in the 2010-2011 classes completed 5,946 hours of direct service in the community.  The service learning projects partnered with the Eat Smart Move More Colleton County program to help educate the community on ways to eat smart and move more.

Family and Community Leaders (FCL) started in 1916 with the first home demonstration club in the state in Sumter County.  The mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals, families and communities through fellowship, education and service.  The current name was adopted in 1995. 

Bells-Ruffin Club, Martha Mazyck President       
1st Monday of each month; 2:00pm,
Bethel United Methodist Church, Ruffin

CRW Club, Sallie Stephens, President       
2nd Tuesday of each month; 11:00am
BZS Community Center, Ruffin
 
Grassroots Leadership offers leadership training to strengthen our local and regional grassroots and nonprofit organizations.   The workshops and seminars include board management, volunteer recruitment and management; marketing and public relations; and sustainability and funding.   We work with the Walterboro- Colleton Chamber of Commerce to provide training and with individual organizations in Lowcountry counties.

Services

• Agriculture Tourism Workshops
• Market-Maker Training
• Youth Leadership Programs
• Leadership Programs
• Service Learning Workshops
• Evaluation and Outcomes Training
• Non Profit Management Workshops
• Volunteer Recruitment and Management Workshops
• Facilitating Meetings and Board Retreats

Community Partners

• Colleton County School District
• Colleton County Middle School
• Eat Smart Move More Colleton County
• Palmetto Project
• Keep Colleton Beautiful
• Walterboro-Colleton Chamber of Commerce
• Colleton County
• Downtown Walterboro Criterium
• Build Resources, LLC
• Lowcountry AHEC

Visit the state-wide Economic & Community Development website.