Youth Corps not only exposed Donovan to new experiences—from running a floral business to visiting local jails and engaging with nonprofits—it also helped him understand the importance of impact. “I realized leadership isn’t about being in charge. It’s about knowing how to lead and when to follow. It’s about doing the uncomfortable thing, because that’s where the growth is.”

The gift Jonathan received from Youth Corps wasn’t just confidence—it was a sense of purpose, a supportive community, and the opportunity to become the leader he never knew he could be.

Jake used the connections and skills he gained in Youth Corps to land a political internship and launch a nonprofit focused on promoting public transportation to reduce carbon emissions. His journey began with meeting his state representative during the Government module and winning a City of Columbia youth climate action grant.

The story of YC Year 17 (2021-2022) Alumni Sarah Campbell Brown’s Youth Corps Experience – originally published in Columbia Metropolitan Magazine

Taken from Summer 2022 YC Newsletter – “This summer Kaelyn (YC Year 17) and Morgan (YC Year 17) attended 4-H Pinckney Leadership Conference for rising 10th and 11th grade students hosted at Clemson University. They learned even more about what a leader is and how they can improve in their leadership.”