Southeastern Community College hosts youth leadership summit

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) –Southeastern Community College recently hosted a Youth Leadership Summit aimed at helping high school seniors plan their future after graduation.

Organized by the Educational Talent Search (ETS) program, the summit focused on providing students with valuable skills and insights for life beyond high school. The “Cross Borders and Dream Big” event served as a resource for students in grades 6-12 across Columbus County.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, ETS specifically targets first-generation college students—those who are the first in their families to pursue higher education.

Leslie Brown, director of ETS, explained why the program is so critical for these students. “We focus on first-generation students because we believe they have incredible potential. By helping them develop college readiness and preparation skills, we empower them to succeed in whatever path they choose,” Brown said.

Throughout the summit, students participated in hands-on activities such as resume building, financial aid guidance, and college entrance exam preparation. These “soft skills” were designed to help students build the personal attributes needed for success in both their academic and professional futures.

Executive Vice President Sylvia Cox, who attended the event, emphasized the importance of these practical tools. “Students today have so many options, which can be overwhelming,” Cox said. “But by learning from real-life examples of people who have walked these paths, students gain a better understanding of what their own journeys could look like.”

The summit also welcomed a guest, Miss North Carolina’s Teen, Kamryn Hollowell, who shared her personal journey and encouraged students to think about their futures.

“Not every high schooler knows whether they want to attend college, pursue a trade, or enter the workforce,” Hollowell said. “What’s important is that they take the time to explore all their options and make the decision that’s right for them.”

For families interested in connecting with the Educational Talent Search program, more information is available here. and you can reach out to talentsearch@sccnc.edu.