County-Wide Projects Underway for Class of 2026
From Online Safety to Environmental Education
This year's class is taking on a wide range of needs in York County by working in smaller teams and focusing less on fundraising, more on hands-on support. See below for a summary of each team's chosen areas of focus as of Jan 2026. We'll share details and final outcomes this Spring!
- Team Triple E - Create Event and/or Resources for Small Business Owners
With support from the Regional Chamber, Winthrop's Small Business Development Center, Rock Hill Economic Development's Small Business Committee, and the City of York, this team is looking to support small business in York County. They are currently focused on efforts in downtown York, with the possibility of assisting with other existing programs in our community.
- Team LYCOSHA – Online Safety for Kids
With support from the Less Than 3 SC organization, this team is connecting with various agencies that work to keep our children safe online. They plan to develop an awareness campaign targeting kids and families that will help prevent issues related to online activity, and offer assistance to those who may be seeking help.
- Team Silent Six – Trail Blazers
In partnership with area recreation-focused organizations this team aims to get kids (and families) off their screens and into nature. Currently they are researching environmental education resources, opportunities to include beautification of existing hiking trails, and volunteers to maintain their program.
- Team DCS – Support Redevelopment of York Place property
In partnership with Yorkville Agricultural and Education Society, the team plans to host a launch event for a fundraising campaign that will support redevelopment of this property. The area includes a 10-acre central campus, 20 acres of open fields, 90 acres of woodlands, and two ponds. The goal of redevelopment is to preserve the historic elements of York Place while creating a vibrant space for youth, families, and the community to learn, grow, and connect.
- Team LAMBDA - LYCO Alumni Network
Team LAMBDA is already looking ahead to their LYCO graduation day and creating ways to maintain the relationships they've built through the program. They are working to build a structured and sustainable LYCO Alumni Network, including opportunities for professional education and networking.
Want to Support These Efforts?
If you, your company, school, or volunteer organization would like to support any of these projects, please reach out! Here are some ways you can help:
- Sponsorship - to provide financial support to one or more projects, please visit this link
- In-kind Donations - to provide supplies (food, drink, promotional items, printing services, etc) or educational resources (speakers, meeting facilitation, printed or online materials) please email Dylan Bolton at the chamber office.
- Volunteer - Whether you want to help preserve walking trails or beautification efforts across York County, organize a group of students on weekly nature hikes, present how-to workshops for small businesses, or help get the word out about online safety, please let us know and we'll connect you to the right people! Simply email Dylan Bolton to get started.
Little Free Pantries for York County Families
Addressing Food Insecurity and Other Needs
For the Class of 2025, finding a unique way to support the needs of children and families was priority #1. The group launched a food and supplies collection drive, and installed and stocked Little Free Pantries in underserved areas of York County. To fund their efforts, the group hosted a Glow Golf event, closing out their year with a donation of $11,000 to support the food pantry and continuing needs related to food insecurity at Pilgrim's Inn.
Supporting York County's First Responders
Code Three 5K - Running for First Responders
The Class of 2024 work throughout the year to create a list of contacts for first responder stations across York County, documenting their biggest needs and challenges. With the help of Carowinds, the class hosted a themed 5K Run where they invited runners to participate in support of police, fire, and EMS personnel in our community. Funds raised during the event allowed the class to purchase needed supplies ranging from cases of water to medical and safety equipment. They were also able to donate towards training programs and future needs.
To learn more about Leadership York County, including details about how to apply for future classes, visit www.yorkcountychamber.com/lyco.