Workforce for a Resilient Future: How Sustain SC is Building a Talent Pipeline for Sustainability
Sustain SC is bridging the gap between education and industry by empowering the next generation of sustainability leaders through targeted programming and powerful partnerships. Here’s how we’re making it happen in 2025 and what’s coming next.
The Sustainable Workforce Accelerator was created with a clear purpose: to deliver targeted programming that engages youth, educators and industry leaders in building a pipeline of talent prepared for careers in sustainability. In the first half of 2025, Sustain SC has made significant strides toward this mission through three standout initiatives.
Business2Student Networking Events (B2SN)
This year, Sustain SC hosted three B2SN events at the Darla Moore School of Business, Furman University and Coastal Carolina University. These interactive sessions connect students with professionals from Sustain SC’s sustainability network, offering structured networking and real-life insights into careers in energy, engineering and environmental sustainability.
With expansion plans underway for the 2025–26 academic year including events at the College of Charleston and SC State University’s Beck Institute, the B2SN program is strengthening cross-sector partnerships and aligning workforce development with real industry needs across South Carolina.
Building Sustainability Champions
Building Sustainability Champions is an immersive educator training program funded by the Bosch Community Foundation, designed to help high school science teachers bring sustainability into the classroom.
At its core is the sea turtle human impact curriculum, developed with the South Carolina Aquarium, which highlights how human behavior affects marine ecosystems and encourages students to think critically about environmental stewardship.
Participants explored real-world sustainability through hands-on activities including:
A Bosch Charleston plant tour and sustainability goals overview
A Charleston harbor expedition and behind-the-scenes look at the SC Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Care Center
An oyster reef restoration project with the SC Department of Natural Resources
By modeling responsible environmental practices, from waste reduction to wetlands resilience, this program is empowering educators to cultivate the next generation of sustainability champions.
Stronger Together: 2 Schools, 1 Future
Launched as a capstone project through The Riley Institute’s Diversity Leadership Initiative, Stronger Together: 2 Schools, 1 Future is a youth leadership development program that builds leadership skills, fosters inclusivity and instills civic responsibility in students.
The initiative brought together students from Fairfield Central High School and Blythewood High School. The two schools are just 15 miles apart but divided by county lines, school districts and socioeconomic backgrounds. Through structured team-building experiences, students formed meaningful relationships that crossed these divides.
By developing key communication and collaboration skills, participants are better prepared for success in school, work and life, and are empowered to help shape more resilient, inclusive communities across South Carolina.
Looking Ahead: Building on Our Momentum
The second half of the year promises even more opportunities to deepen impact. On August 14, Sustain SC will host the Sustainable Workforce Leadership Luncheon at EdVenture, featuring Dr. Rebecca Battle-Bryant, Director of the Office of Statewide Workforce Development, as keynote speaker.
Then on October 22, the Business2Student Networking (B2SN) initiative will return as a key part of the first day of programming at Sustain SC’s 4th Annual Sustainability Symposium, offering students another opportunity to explore career pathways in sustainability and connect directly with industry leaders.
By investing in people and partnerships, the Sustainable Workforce Accelerator is helping ensure South Carolina’s workforce is well-prepared, equitably developed and ready to power our state’s sustainable future.
To learn more or get involved with the Sustainable Workforce initiatives, contact Dr. Cynthia Davis at cynthia@sustainsouthcarolina.org.
