Myrtle Beach area News

Youth Leadership Academy Gives 10th Graders Skills to Be Tomorrow's Leaders

The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Coastal Carolina University, is launching its first Youth Leadership Academy, endorsed by U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.). The academy will be held at Coastal Carolina University on Jan. 15 from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

“As a former high school history teacher, I know the importance of meaningful learning experiences in shaping a student’s life,” Congressman Clyburn said. “This Youth Leadership Academy will enhance students’ potential and provide them with skills they need to grow into future community leaders. It is a wonderful opportunity for the students and a great investment by the Myrtle Beach chamber and Coastal Carolina in South Carolina’s future leadership.”

The chamber’s Leadership Grand Strand Class XXVIII is presenting the event, which has been developed for 10th graders who show leadership skills in their respective schools and communities. More than 200 students from six counties along the Grand Strand and Pee Dee are expected to participate.

This one-day program is designed for the selected students to recognize their leadership talents and apply them in becoming effective, ethical leaders in their home, school, workplace and community. The day begins with a welcome video from Congressman Clyburn followed by an opening presentation by David Bennett, Coastal Carolina University’s football coach. Over the course of the day, the students are divided into small groups to discuss several predetermined topics. The sessions focus on developing the four core fundamentals of leadership—integrity, vision, inspiration and communication—with each student having the opportunity to express his/her own ideas. The day ends with entertainment from Greg Rowles of Alabama Theatre.

The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce has stood for 67 years as the unified voice of the Grand Strand's business community. The chamber serves Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Little River, Atlantic Beach, Garden City Beach, Loris, Conway, Aynor, Murrells Inlet, Litchfield Beach and Pawleys Island.

The goal of Leadership Grand Strand, a chamber program, is to develop a corps of informed, committed and qualified individuals capable of providing dynamic leadership for the Grand Strand. Over the years, Leadership Grand Strand has created a cadre of leaders who guide the direction of change throughout the Grand Strand.