HGTC Foundation receives gift from Leadership South Carolina Class of 2026 to combat student food insecurity
May 20, 2026
Funds from statewide “Tree to Table” class project will expand food access for HGTC students working to advance their education and their lives
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.”
About Leadership South Carolina
Founded in 1979 by the Governor’s Office and the South Carolina business community, Leadership South Carolina is the state’s oldest leadership development program. Its mission is to empower talented and highly motivated South Carolinians to strengthen their leadership skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the critical issues shaping the state. The program brings together participants from diverse industries, geographic regions, and backgrounds across South Carolina.
Each year, Leadership South Carolina selects approximately 50 to 55 individuals from a competitive applicant pool to participate in its eight-month Core Program. Through statewide experiences, networking, and leadership development opportunities, participants gain the knowledge and relationships needed to serve their communities and help shape South Carolina’s future. More information is available at Leadership South Carolina.
About Horry-Georgetown Technical College
Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) is a public, two-year college serving Horry and Georgetown counties with campuses located along the Grand Strand in Conway, Myrtle Beach, and Georgetown, South Carolina. A member of the South Carolina Technical College System, HGTC offers more than 80 associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs, including many online options, designed to prepare students for careers or transfer to four-year colleges and universities. The College also provides workforce development programs that support regional economic growth. HGTC is the fourth-largest of South Carolina’s 16 technical colleges and among the fastest-growing higher education institutions in the state. For more information, visit www.hgtc.edu.
