The Class: SCHC 300
May 5, 2024 – May 17, 2024
On-site in Lake City, S.C.
Pre-requisites: none
*Course counts towards Honors Beyond the Classroom OR Honors elective.
Over a decade ago, investor and philanthropist Darla Moore had a vision for her hometown of Lake City, S.C. She wanted to reimagine its future and create a sustainable new economy by building on principles of community and creativity. Her vision includes ArtFields, the Southeast's leading art competition celebrating Southern artists of all ages, and Moore Farms Botanical Gardens, a world-class botanical garden on the Moore family estate.
In this immersive Maymester course offered for the first time, students interested in the intersection of creativity, sustainability, business and local economic development will engage directly with this diversified social impact portfolio of investments. Specifically, you will gain an understanding of and direct engagement with the infrastructure and physical plant, capital, talent, creativity and collaboration necessary to restart a local economy.
Experience
During this two-week Maymester, students will experience one-week of immersion at the Darla Moore Foundation, with hands-on workshops and experiences with ArtFields and Moore Farms leadership, as well as working with Visit Lake City and the Greater Lake City Chamber of Commerce. You’ll learn skills like financial and project management, art handling and packaging, marketing and communication, and record keeping, as well as the leadership skills to run the day-to-day operation of these ambitious projects. You’ll also enjoy fun skill-building activities including learning about art curation, plant cultivation and beekeeping.
The last week of the Maymester experience is working directly with Lake City's Main Street businesses, conducting interviews and supporting small business owners with marketing, storytelling, and business development. You’ll apply your education directly to understanding the opportunities and challenges of operating a small business and growing a regional market.
Costs
There is no program fee for this hands-on arts, business and service-focused course. However, students will pay a deposit of $150 to reserve their spot in the program. This deposit will be fully refunded after the first week of classes. The course is open to all Honors students and is suited for any student interested in or curious about local economics, art, event management, entrepreneurship and more.
This experience includes:
- Lodging at Moore Farms Botanical Gardens (graciously provided by the Darla Moore Foundation)
- Daily breakfast and additional group meals throughout the course
- Facetime and working meetings with Lake City leaders
Other expenses not included:
- 3-hours USC tuition for the 3-Week Session I (3S3) term
Please contact the Bursar’s Office for exact costs. Please note that University scholarships traditionally do not cover summer courses. Contact the Office of Financial Aid with questions. - Any textbooks or course materials
- Transportation to/from Lake City, S.C.
- Some meals
- Personal expenses
If the program fee associated with this class prevents you from participating in this experience, please provide a statement of financial need. Your statement of need should be no longer than 150 words and sent to honorsaway@sc.edu. Limited funding is available, and decisions will be decided on a case-by-case basis.