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Members of the Leadership South Carolina Class of 2026 present a gift to the Horry-Georgetown
Technical College Foundation to support the HGTC Market and help combat student food
insecurity at Horry-Georgetown Technical College. The contribution is part of the
class’s statewide “Tree to Table” service project benefiting technical college students
across South Carolina.
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) announced today that the Leadership South Carolina Class of 2026 has provided a gift to the HGTC Foundation as part of the class’s statewide service project, “Tree to Table.” The gift is part of more than $62,000 raised by the class and distributed across South Carolina’s technical colleges to help address student food insecurity, one of the most significant barriers to student persistence and completion.
At HGTC, the funds will support the HGTC Market, helping expand access to food and essential resources for students working toward credentials that can change the trajectory of their lives and careers.
“Food insecurity is a very real challenge for many college students, including right here at HGTC,” said Dr. Marilyn 'Murph' Fore, president of HGTC. “Many of our students are balancing classes, jobs, clinical experiences, and family responsibilities while working to build a better future for themselves and their families. This generous investment from Leadership South Carolina’s Class of 2026 will help ensure students have access to basic necessities so they can remain focused on their education and long-term success. We are deeply grateful for their support and commitment to strengthening communities across South Carolina.”
Surveys of community and technical college students consistently show that a significant share of students experience food insecurity at some point during their enrollment. The challenge often impacts working adults, parents, and first-generation college students who are balancing academics with financial and family obligations. Even short-term disruptions in access to food and basic necessities can affect academic performance, persistence, and completion.
“Tree to Table” is the class project of the Leadership South Carolina Class of 2026. The statewide initiative includes planting 250 trees to commemorate the nation while also raising funds to directly support South Carolinians pursuing education and economic mobility. By investing in technical college students across the state, the project aims to strengthen South Carolina’s workforce and communities.
“Through their project Tree to Table, Leadership South Carolina’s Class of 2026 brought people together to invest in our state,” said Jody Jernigan, executive director of Leadership South Carolina. “The project strengthened our state parks while supporting technical college students facing food insecurity across South Carolina, reflecting who we are and creating lasting opportunity. We invite those who are passionate about South Carolina’s future to get involved with Leadership South Carolina and be part of this important work.”
“We are deeply grateful for this generous investment in the HGTC Market,” said Shannon Detzler, president and CEO of the HGTC Foundation. “These funds will directly support our students and employees who are experiencing food insecurity, helping ensure that basic needs are met so they can focus on learning, teaching, and thriving. This support strengthens not only individuals, but the entire HGTC community.”