The South Carolina Service Year Act establishes the South Carolina Service Year Program (SCSYP) within the State Department of Education, aimed at providing 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 early childhood education, while also equipping them with professional development and financial literacy skills. The Act outlines the responsibilities of the department in administering the program, including seeking community service opportunities, developing processes for academic credit, and ensuring equitable access for all individuals regardless of background.

Additionally, the Act creates the Office of Service and Civic Innovation within the Governor's office to oversee the SCSYP and promote volunteerism across the state. It establishes the South Carolina Service Year Program Fund to provide compensation and support for participants, and mandates the preparation of annual reports detailing the program's financials and participant outcomes. The legislation emphasizes the importance of privacy protection for personal information collected during the program's administration, ensuring that data is only used as necessary and shared in a deidentified manner.