South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce recently opened up the nomination period for its 2026 Workforce Champion Award.

The Workforce Champion Award was first recognized in 2023 by Governor Henry McMaster, in partnership with the Department of Employment and Workforce (SC DEW), to acknowledge employers who demonstrated extraordinary effort, innovation, and commitment to connecting students and educators to career awareness, exposure, and experiential learning opportunities. As a well-earned recognition awarded in September during Workforce Development Month, this award serves as inspiration for other employers to customize programs to impact and uplift the future workforce.

In prior years, the Workforce Champion Award was nominated by the Regional Workforce Advisors (RWAs), who work hand in hand with businesses across the state. Now, we welcome all businesses in South Carolina to nominate themselves and spotlight their unique initiatives to connect with young people and amplify the workforce!

Does your business help students and educators become aware and explore careers in your respective industry? Is your business actively participating in internships, apprenticeships, and other career-relevant opportunities? Are you actively participating or offering unique initiatives, and are you open and eager to highlight those best practices for other businesses to follow?

If you answer yes to these questions, we encourage you to nominate your business for the 2026 Workforce Champion Award! 

Nomination Key Things to Know:

• Eleven regional finalists will receive recognition from SC DEW after Workforce Development Month
• The business selected as the Workforce Champion:
• Must be willing and able to accept the award as part of an official ceremony with Governor McMaster on September 1, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
• Will be featured in a press release published by SC DEW in September during Workforce Development Month.
• Will receive the 2026 Workforce Champion Award & video content featuring the business program and unique initiatives.
• All business nominations will be categorized per region:
  • One finalist per region will be identified by the judges and considered for the Workforce Champion Award
  • The finalists not selected as the Workforce Champion will be grouped into the eleven regional finalists

Submit nomination HERE.