York County Natural Gas Authority Community Initiative Benefits Winthrop Students

ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – York County Natural Gas Authority (YCNGA) is investing in the county’s development by sponsoring several Winthrop University career readiness events and a challenge to help prepare students for the work force.

The funding will focus on programs that build practical skills and prepare students for successful careers, aligning closely with YCNGA’s mission to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy solutions through investments in infrastructure, employees and the community. Also benefitting from YCNGA’s Community Investment Initiative are the county’s four school districts and two other higher education institutions.

At Winthrop, the Center for Career Development and Internships will coordinate the three events, a Pop-up Career Closet on Feb. 12; a Spring Career Fair on Feb. 20; and a Spring Etiquette Dinner on March 27. YCNGA staff will attend the career fair and dinner to network with students, faculty, staff and other employer partners in the community.

Becky Ross, director of the Center for Career Development and Internships, said that the YCNGA understands the critical importance of investing in the career readiness of the future workforce. “I’m excited because this partnership not only directly supports students but also is engaging the faculty and staff in ways that we can build upon and sustain over time,” she said.

In another collaboration, the center will engage students in an EPIC (Employer Provided Innovation Challenge) competition for six to seven weeks this spring. It will give students the opportunity to:

• Collaborate with a team of 2-5 students from any degree program (juniors, seniors and graduate students).
• Propose innovative solutions to real challenges posed by YCNGA.
• Develop durable skills like problem-solving, critical thinking and collaboration.
• Student teams will compete by presenting their projects to judges from YCNGA, the York County Regional Chamber of Commerce and Winthrop faculty, and prizes of $1,000, $750 and $500 will be awarded to the top 3 teams.

The York County Regional Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors EPIC, will join with Winthrop and the YCNGA in this collaboration. “This partnership reflects the kind of collaboration that drives meaningful change in our community,” said Celeste Tiller, vice president of talent and workforce development at the York County Regional Chamber of Commerce. “By bringing together industry leaders, educational institutions and the Chamber, we are equipping students with the tools they need to succeed while strengthening the future workforce of York County.”
For more information, contact Ross at rossr@winthrop.edu.