Lower Savannah Council of Governments:
Working for You and Your Community

Since 1969, the Lower Savannah Council of Governments has been assisting local governments in meeting the needs of our citizens by providing a wide array of planning, administrative, and technical services to all local governments in the Lower Savannah region. On this page, you'll find articles and newsletters showcasing what we are doing to improve the quality of life in the region.

Lower Savannah Council of Governments, in collaboration with the South Carolina Department of Commerce, held their annual Youth Forums at Aiken Technical College and Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College on January 25, 2017 and January 26, 2017. The Youth Forum is designed to target high school students who have not decided their path after graduation. The forum exposes students to college readiness, career preparation and life choices.

Approximately 375 students participated, 250 from Aiken and Barnwell County school districts and 125 from Allendale, Bamberg, Calhoun and Orangeburg County school districts. The students were exposed to Manufacturing/STEM, Health Science and Information Technology fields of study. These are demand-driven industries that are in need of a qualified workforce.

“It is important for graduating seniors to know the types of career opportunities in their communities, and realize the connection between post-secondary education and a rewarding career,” said Joni McDaniel, regional workforce advisor with the S.C. Department of Commerce.

The keynote speaker was Scott McGregor, a global program manager responsible for inclusion and collaboration and new-hire orientation within the World-Wide Sales Training organization at Cisco. He is a 25-year veteran of the IT industry.

To end the forum, local workforce partners spoke to the students on the career and training opportunities that are available within the region. “Preparing young people for success is so vital in today’s workforce. We are shaping the future of our communities,” said Megan Helmig, youth coordinator for Lower Savannah Council of Governments.

For more information on youth outreach, contact Megan Helmig, 803.649.7981.