leadership programs

Leadership in Beaufort

Established in 1985, Leadership Beaufort has become one of the most prestigious organizations in Beaufort.

Each year, a select group of local leaders learn not only what is going on but how to make a difference in the community. The program builds community trustee leadership through an in-depth view of cultural, economic, historic, social, educational, environmental and government resources. The result is that hundreds of alumni have made countless contributions to the community and its quality of life.

Leadership Beaufort connects participants with prominent civic, business and government leaders. It is an interactive process for the “movers and shakers.”

Applications are taken during April and May of each year and are due to the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce office the Friday before Memorial Day. After an interview process, participants of the class are typically announced by the first week in July.

Classes begin with a weekend retreat in September, followed by monthly classes from October to April, usually held on the first Friday of the month. The final session is a weekend retreat the first weekend of May. Leadership Beaufort seeks a diverse group who represent the community; consideration is given to age, employment, gender, socio-economic background, ethnicity and other forms of diversity.

Senior Leadership

For over 25 years, Beaufort County Senior Leadership has served as an incubator to volunteerism and community engagement.

Established in 1993, Beaufort County Senior Leadership (BCSL) is sponsored by Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service and the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce. For 13 weeks, participants learn about the County as they engage in dialogue with representatives from local arts, business, civic, and government organizations. Classes meet one day a week in different locations, often where speakers work and serve the community. A diverse representation of students ensures an expansive sharing of knowledge, ideas, and life experiences.

Applications are accepted up to the class start date and are processed in the order in which they are received. The class size is limited to 35 students. Classes begin with a reception on a Tuesday evening during early January, followed by 13 weekly classes each Wednesday through early April.

Students are invited to participate in two specific projects:

The first occurs during the 13-week program. Students are encouraged to form five- person groups tasked with identifying and selecting a topic of general interest to them, and an issue of current relevance to the Beaufort County. Each group produces a paper / presentation to be shared with all student groups and then decides to whom and how the body of work may be shared within the county.

The second is an invitation and an encouragement for program graduates to plan, develop and implement the following year’s program, with the help and guidance of the program organizers. Beaufort County Senior Leadership programs are dynamic reflecting the interest of the planning group and topics of current relevance.

For additional information, contact Laura Lee Rose, Clemson Extension, 843 473-6025.

JUNIOR Leadership

Beaufort Junior Leadership is an eight-month program in which area high school sophomores and juniors are empowered to become trustees of the Beaufort County community. Throughout the eight months of the program students will learn a variety of valuable leadership skills including time management, community issue awareness, and business ethics. The program also provides training in the area of personal development, skills training, volunteering opportunities and team building.