The South Carolina Service Year Act aims to establish the "South Carolina Service Year Program" within the State Department of Education, designed to provide individuals with job training and work experience through local service projects that address critical community needs. The program will offer participants opportunities in various sectors, including public health, clean energy, and education, while equipping them with professional development and financial literacy skills. Additionally, the program will create a "South Carolina Service Year Program Fund" to support participant compensation and program administration, and it will include provisions for academic credit and mentorship for participants.
The bill also establishes the Office of Service and Civic Innovation within the Governor's office, tasked with promoting service and volunteerism across the state. This office will oversee the Service Year Program, coordinate community service initiatives, and develop recognition events for volunteers. Furthermore, the legislation emphasizes the importance of protecting personal information collected during the program's administration, ensuring that data is only used for necessary purposes and shared in a deidentified manner. Overall, the act seeks to enhance workforce development and community engagement in South Carolina.