DEW's 2026 Workforce Champion Award Competition Has Officially Launched

The S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce Honors Employers Who Invest in Our State’s Students 

Columbia, S.C. – The S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) is pleased to announce the launch of its Workforce Champion Award Competition. Started in 2023, the Workforce Champion Award is presented by Governor Henry McMaster, in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW), to recognize employers who demonstrate extraordinary effort, innovation, and commitment to connecting students and educators to career awareness and employment opportunities.

In prior years, the Workforce Champion Award nominations were submitted by DEW’s Regional Workforce Advisors (RWAs), who work hand in hand with businesses across the state to connect them with local schools and youth. Now in its fourth year, we welcome all South Carolina businesses to nominate themselves and spotlight their unique initiatives to connect with young people. The 2026 Workforce Champion Award Competition is an opportunity for businesses of all sizes, demographics, industries, and regions to nominate themselves by submitting their youth initiatives, including internships, apprenticeships, school tours, on-the-job training, and any other unique opportunity for students.

Nominate your business here!

The submission deadline is 11:59 PM on Sunday, June 14, 2026.

“We are excited to continue our tradition of highlighting the exceptional businesses that make an impact on our students and state’s workforce pipeline, and to change things up this year by allowing the businesses to nominate themselves through our brand-new application form,” said DEW Executive Director William Floyd. “Our hope is to see the full extent of different employers and industries we have in South Carolina represented, from the largest corporations to the most rural small businesses, proving that any employer can find ways to create similar opportunities that invest in our young people.”

Michelin was the 2025 Workforce Champion Award winner, recognized for meeting with over 500 high school seniors the previous school year and for its Michelin Scholars Program with Midlands Technical College. This year’s entries will be evaluated by RWAs and DEW leadership, and a grand-prize winner and 11 regional finalists will be selected.

The Workforce Champion Award winner will be announced on September 1, 2026, at a special ceremony held at the Governor’s Mansion and presented by Governor Henry McMaster and DEW Executive Director Floyd. The 11 regional finalists will also be recognized on DEW’s social media platforms and personally visited by DEW leadership.

For more information about the Workforce Champion Award competition’s rules and how to nominate your business, please visit DEW’s Workforce Champion Award page. Businesses interested in student outreach can also contact their local RWA at rwa@dew.sc.gov.