NOTICE: MEDICAID ANNUAL ELIGIBILITY REVIEWS ARE UNDERWAY | To update your information or to learn more click Here .
By
SC Thrive is excited to launch the 2026 Thrive Students Winter Leadership Conferences, a statewide series of immersive leadership experiences offered across all five regions of South Carolina—Lowcountry, Midlands, Upstate, Grand Strand, and Pee Dee. Beginning in February and continuing into March, these conferences bring high school students together to build confidence, strengthen critical thinking, and gain the tools needed to lead with empathy and integrity.
At each regional event, students will take part in SC Thrive’s transformative Poverty Simulation, an interactive experience that allows them to navigate the real‑life challenges faced by families experiencing financial hardship. Through role‑playing and scenario‑based problem‑solving, students develop a deeper understanding of systemic barriers and the importance of compassion‑driven leadership.
Students will also participate in a whole‑group session on bias and stereotypes, designed to promote cultural awareness, self‑reflection, and effective communication. Each day concludes with a Closing Reflection Circle, giving students space to process their insights and identify meaningful ways they can create positive change in their schools and communities.
These experiences are already making an impact on young leaders across the state.
As Julianna Portuese, a student from Socastee High School, shared:
“Opportunities like Thrive Students matter because it gets us ready for the outside world and encourages us to speak our voice and not be afraid to work with others and grow.”
Her words echo what educators and students across South Carolina are seeing: these conferences help students not only understand leadership, but practice it in a supportive, hands‑on environment.
Educators agree on the value:
“Thrive Students conferences provide an incredible opportunity for our students to grow as leaders, build confidence, and discover their potential beyond the classroom. Through Thrive Students, participants gain valuable life and career‑ready skills, meaningful connections, and the motivation to set higher goals for themselves.”
— LaTonya Jackson, Teacher, Columbia High School
And students continue to affirm the personal impact:
“The SC Thrive conference has helped me understand the importance of networking, and how to work with the limited options that life may present to you.”
— Malek Cherry, 12th Grade Student, Columbia High School
Students, schools, and youth organizations across South Carolina are invited to join us.
🔗 Register for any regional conference: https://scthrive.org/event_category/thrive-students/