Orangeburg County School District (OCSD) proudly participated in the 2025 HIre Summit, hosted today by the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (SCDEW). This annual event has been held for the past three years in collaboration with OCSD Career Specialists and Professional School Counselors. The HIre Summit convened educators, employers, and workforce leaders from across the state to foster partnerships that help prepare students for success in South Carolina’s dynamic and evolving labor market.

The summit provided an ideal platform for OCSD to demonstrate its continued commitment to college and career readiness. District leaders engaged with employers and workforce experts, shared innovative strategies, and explored career pathways aligned to high-demand industries.

“Our participation in the HIre Summit reflects our district’s dedication to ensuring that every student is future-ready,” said Dr. Shawn D. Foster, Superintendent of OCSD. “By connecting directly with employers and workforce professionals, we’re strengthening our ability to offer relevant, real-world opportunities to our students.”

Employers and partners in who registered to attend included:

• S.M.A.R.T. Local 399
• SRNS Apprenticeship Program
• South Carolina Army National Guard
• Sigmatex Carbon Textiles Solutions
• Orangeburg Coca-Cola Company
• Department of Social Services
• Bimbo Bakeries – Orangeburg
• SC Landscaping
• Holcim US
• South Carolina Department of Public Health
• South Carolina Department of Environmental Services
• Hounen Solar America
• Eckerd Connects
• Lexington County Sheriff’s Department
• South Carolina Highway Patrol
• South Carolina Department of Corrections
• U.S. Navy
• South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation
• Swiss Krono
• Palmetto Sitework Services
• Mixon Seed Service
• Medshore Ambulance Service
• Orangeburg County DSN Board

Held annually, the HIre Summit is a premier event that strengthens collaboration between education and industry. With a shared focus on economic development, talent pipelines, and expanding access to opportunity, the summit plays a key role in advancing a competitive and inclusive workforce in South Carolina.

OCSD remains committed to building these vital partnerships and creating pathways that empower students to pursue meaningful and sustainable careers.

For additional information, please contact Dr. Erica S. Taylor, Assistant Superintendent for Communications and Business and Community Partnerships, at erica.taylor@ocsdsc.org or (839) 356-4040.