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.
Addressing Food Insecurity and Other Needs
Little Free Pantries Across York County
According to the Feeding the Carolinas 2025 Map the Meal Gap study, in 2024, 11.1% of York County residents experienced food insecurity, a rate that is higher than the state's overall 2024 average of 9.9%. This equates to approximately 18,750 people in the county lacking consistent access to enough food. The cost of the annual food budget shortfall for these individuals was estimated to be around $12,258,000, with the average cost per meal at $3.70.
For the Class of 2025, finding a unique way to support the needs of children and families was priority #1 and addressing the issue of food insecurity had potential to create the biggest short-term impact. In partnership with Pilgrim's Inn, the group:
- hosted a food collection drive
- worked with a local contractor to build, install, and stock Little Free Pantries in under-served areas of York County.
- hosted a fundraiser to provide much-needed support to local food pantries, and
- created a mapping system to mark Little Free Pantries and Blessings Boxes across York County.
This class closed out their year with a donation of $11,000 to support the Pilgrim's Inn food pantry and continuing needs.
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.
Want to help future Leadership classes make a difference in our community?
Visit this link to view levels of support or to offer your time and talents to an upcoming project!
To learn more about Leadership York County, including past service projects and details about how to apply for future classes, visit www.yorkcountychamber.com/lyco.
To learn more about Leadership York County, including details about how to apply for future classes, visit www.yorkcountychamber.com/lyco.