SC LEADS Prospective Participants

South Carolina’s agriculture, forestry and natural resource systems demand strong leadership on every level.  SC LEADS is a new program of seminars, workshops and field travel for committed individuals who want to step up and make a difference in our state's food, agricultural and natural resource industries.

Who Should Apply?
One strength of the program is the rare opportunity participants have to work with, and learn from, specialists and managers in a wide range of agriculture-related activities. SC LEADS welcomes participants from all segments of South Carolina agriculture - from the field to the fork. These might include growers, food processors, chefs, farmer’s market managers, lenders, and even government agency representatives.

Time Commitment
The SC LEADS program consists of 5 seminars and 2 study tours (one to Washington, D.C. and one to Columbia, SC).  Seminars will normally be held one day a month during the class term and run from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM.  The Washington D.C. Study tour will be 3-4 days and the Columbia, SC study tour will be one day.  Participants are expected to attend every session. 

Class Locations
Classes will be held at various locations throughout the focus-area region (Chester, Chesterfield, Dillon, Fairfield, Lancaster, Marlboro, Union and York Counties).  Every effort will be made to make travel time balanced across the region across the class term.

Cost
There is no tuition for this year's SC LEADS program; however, participants will be responsible for travel expenses incurred to seminar sites, some meals and incidentals.

Outcomes
Participants will leave the SC LEADS program more equipped to lead in their homes, business and community.  Specifically, participants will have the opportunity to form a coalition of partners necessary to move agri-business forward within the region and state.