Over the past years the public and private  sectors have developed numerous innovative approaches to economic development in rural communities and urban neighborhoods. In a state of such economic diversity, the Palmetto Project is committed to being a partner with communities committed to trying out these new strategies.

  As part of its mission, the Palmetto Project encourages innovative projects to help individual communities solve specific problems. We see these as pilot projects which eventually can be made available throughout the state. These include The New Mosquito Fleet (youth mentoring and team-building), Phillips Manor (affordable housing), Needle-Free Waste (hazardous waste disposal) and the Charleston Civic Forum (community dialogue and planning). We are proud of our continuing association with SC LINKS (race relations), and City Year (youth service), which are independent non-profits whose early development occurred in partnership with the Palmetto Project.

Family Technology Centers program has been operating as a separate non-profit entity since 2003. The program operates three learning centers in the Lowcountry that provide free instruction in English literacy and workplace computer skills for families, especially those transitioning from welfare to work. The curriculum includes a cutting-edge training program for families with children under six, and special technology training for teenagers. Seventy-five percent of adult graduates either get jobs or get better-paying jobs within six weeks of graduation, while their children’s academic performance excelled.  Our former staffers Wanda Temple and Cynthia Powell continue to operate this wonderful program.