2017 Update

The SOUTH CAROLINA YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE, a non-profit, 501(c) 3 organization, is designed to provide an initial program on the fundamentals of personal leadership with ongoing follow up for those who complete the session.

The program seeks to bring together one sophomore from each high school in the State of South Carolina for a four-day conference each spring at the University of South Carolina Beaufort’s Hilton Head Gateway Campus and at Clemson University.

In 2018 the conference dates are: Clemson University May 17-20, 2018 and the University of South Carolina Beaufort’s Hilton Head Gateway Campus June 7 – 10, 2018. Students may select either as their choice although as one site fills the student will be placed in the other with notification to the school and student for approval.

We strongly recommend students be selected by their school principal and/or guidance counselor using the following guideline provided by the conference. Essentially, it asks administrators to use their judgment in identifying those individuals who they believe to be among students with strong potential in leadership.

These future leaders do not necessarily need to be among the “brightest” or be a “career oriented” student. Many believe good, strong leadership often comes from others within a student cohort yet who are among the top 20 percent. Often these are students with potential who may benefit from enhanced interpersonal skills.

We kindly ask notices of the conference not be posted as it suggests the program is open to all students.

It is important to note this initiative does not end with the close of the conference because leadership is an art it must be practiced. As such, students will leave the conference with the expectation their work is only beginning. Many students write that they want to return to SCYLC as class counselors and one of the biggest “problems” is trying to accommodate these requests!

As the conference grows and funding becomes available students will ultimately be able to compete for scholarships. The decision process will include various criteria set forth by the Advisory Board.

All participants in the preparation of this event are volunteers, full-time employees of the University of South Carolina Beaufort, local school administrators, government officials or associated with relevant organizations. The only paid persons are a small number of resident assistants at USCB during overnight hours at the accommodations of the students.

We are already engaged in the planning for SCYLC – 2018. An early invitation with specific information will be sent to all schools in November. Students may be registered at any time and may do so online. We encourage all administrators to register their students early! In 2017 the conference was full by mid-March.

In summary, the conference continues to develop and will do so in the years ahead. We anticipate ongoing, highly successful programs and, with the support of those on the Advisory Board, the conference will become a staple in South Carolina helping to enrich the lives of those high school students who attend the conference.

Should you have any questions or need clarification on any aspect of SCYLC please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss your interests.

Thank you,

Bill Moss
Executive Director