In the weeks ahead, students from across the state will return to school, commencing a new academic year in South Carolina. From our local school districts to our institutions of higher education, the Palmetto State is home to a large education system. And, each component of that system is critical to developing a workforce that meets the needs of both existing and future employers.
This year, more than one million students will be enrolled in either our local school districts or our collegiate institutions. As we seek to train them for the jobs of tomorrow, communication between leaders in industry and education is critical.
Recent examples of this can be seen across the state. From a career forum in Sumter to an engineering-focused summer camp in Georgetown, collaboration in workforce development is now commonplace in South Carolina. In addition to these efforts, in-state firms, such as Boeing and Blackbaud, recently announced their own talent development initiatives. Paramount to our ability to prepare South Carolina workers for the ever-changing job market, these endeavors demonstrate both companies' commitment to our state and its people.
Moving forward, Team South Carolina will continue to promote discussion, coordination and partnership between industry and education. And, as a result, our workforce will remain second to none, promoting economic growth in all corners of the state.