May 27, 2026 - Trident Technical College (TTC) announced a gift of $3,905 from the Leadership South Carolina Class of 2026 as part of the class’s statewide service project, “Tree to Table.” The gift to TTC is part of more than $62,000 raised by the class and distributed across South Carolina’s network of technical colleges to address student food insecurity —one of the most significant barriers to student persistence and completion.

At Trident Technical College, the funds will support the TTC Grocery Vault located at the Palmer Campus in downtown Charleston. Clients do not need to provide any financial information. The Grocery Vault is open to all in the TTC community, with pickup points on other campuses. The investment will directly benefit students enrolled in programs such as nursing; health and personal services; and maintenance and technical trades who are working toward credentials that will change their economic trajectory.

“We are deeply grateful for this financial support, which allows us to strengthen our response to student food insecurity. By nourishing students, we are supporting not only their academic success, but also their families, our communities and our local economy. Last year alone, we distributed more than 37,000 pounds of food from the Lowcountry Food Bank. These funds will enable us to reach even more students and make an even greater impact.”
- Amy Hudock, Ph.D., assistant vice president, dean of TTC Palmer Campus

Surveys of community and technical college students consistently show that a significant share — often more than one in three — experience food insecurity at some point during their enrollment. The barrier is felt most acutely by working adults, parents and first-generation students, many of whom are balancing classes and clinicals with the responsibility of supporting themselves and their families. Even a brief disruption in basic needs can derail months of academic progress.

“Tree to Table” is the class project of the Leadership South Carolina Class of 2026, a statewide effort to plant 250 trees to commemorate the nation as well as raise funds that directly address food insecurity for South Carolinians pursuing education and economic mobility. By distributing the funds across South Carolina’s network of technical colleges, the class is investing in the students whose persistence and completion most directly strengthen the state’s workforce.

“Through their project ‘Tree to Table,’ Leadership South Carolina’s Class of 2026 brought people together to invest in our state. The project strengthened our state parks while supporting technical college students facing food insecurity across South Carolina, reflecting who we are and creating lasting opportunity. We invite those who are passionate about South Carolina’s future to get involved with Leadership South Carolina and be part of this important work.”

- Jody Jernigan, executive director of Leadership South Carolina

About Leadership South Carolina

Founded in 1979 by the Governor’s Office and the South Carolina business community, Leadership South Carolina is the state’s oldest and most respected leadership development program. Its mission is to empower talented, highly motivated South Carolinians to strengthen their leadership skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the critical issues shaping the state. The program is comprehensive and statewide in scope, drawing participants from every employment sector, geographic region, and demographic group across South Carolina.

Each year, Leadership South Carolina selects 50 to 55 exceptional candidates from a competitive applicant pool to participate in an eight-month Core Program that runs from September through April. Through immersive experiences, expert-led sessions, and statewide networking, participants gain the knowledge and relationships to serve on boards and commissions, run for public office, and champion the nonprofit causes that make a lasting impact in their communities. Each Leadership South Carolina class also undertakes a class project that channels the cohort’s collective resources and reach into a tangible, statewide contribution — a tradition that the Class of 2026 is continuing through Tree to Table. More information is available at leadershipsc.com.