About the OneSouthCarolina Awards & Events
OneSouthCarolina is a celebration of who we are and an aspiration for what we can become as a state. Our OneSC awards and events celebrate the vibrancy of South Carolina, derived from its myriad cultures, traditions, and perspectives; honor the leadership that has provided vision for our state; and summon attendees to understand and address our core challenges and commit themselves to moving our state forward through collaborative action across differences.
Understanding OneSouthCarolina
OneSouthCarolina reflects a wider ethos supported by the Riley Institute. We believe that when South Carolina has a strong network of dedicated leaders, their local efforts, viewed collectively, make a huge impact. OneSC elevates those efforts to make them replicable and recognizes that when we involve our full range of local stakeholders, we can accomplish great things that unite whole communities around the common cause of moving our state forward toward progress.
The spirit of OneSC is manifested through a set of awards and events that recognizes leadership and vision in our state. The Riley-Wilkins OneSouthCarolina Awards for Excellence in Legislative and Civic Leadership celebrate leaders who influence equitable opportunities for all South Carolinians to thrive. The Riley Institute’s OneSouthCarolina Partners in Progress award is given to an initiative in South Carolina that:
- Meaningfully expands economic opportunity and amplifies the voices of South Carolinians who have been historically marginalized.
- Relies on a broad and diverse coalition of partners that may include community leaders, corporate leaders, philanthropic and nonprofit organizations, local citizens, and others.
- Serves as a model and/or offers lessons for other communities seeking to catalyze similar progress.
Our OneSouthCarolina Forum and Dinner celebrate the award recipients; inspire us to strive for advancement; and, in the case of the winning initiative, help us gain insight into what led to the achievement’s success, challenges encountered, and key takeaways from their work toward building one South Carolina.
OneSouthCarolina Forum & Dinner
Past OneSC Forums & Dinners
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2025-26 White-Riley-Peterson Fellows
Meet the 2025-2026 White-Riley-Peterson Policy Fellows. This prestigious group of individuals will learn how to... -
2024-25 White-Riley-Peterson Fellows
Below are the 2024-2025 White-Riley-Peterson Policy Fellows. This prestigious group of individuals will learn best... -
2023-24 White-Riley-Peterson Fellows
Below are the 2023-2024 White-Riley-Peterson Policy Fellows. This prestigious group of individuals will learn best...
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Behind the Headlines: Building a Community of Trust
Team Palmetto Focus’ capstone project is entitled “Behind the Headlines: Building a Community of Trust.”... -
Career Motivators
Career Motivators created Project GROWL (Getting Ready for your Opportunity to Work, Laugh, and Learn)... -
The Gap Busters
Funding is often the greatest obstacle to obtaining a college degree. Even with lower tuition...
History Lesson: OneSouthCarolina Weekend
From 2012-2016, Riley Fellows from across the state convened for a weekend of learning and fellowship to deepen understanding of issues critical to South Carolina’s progress and unite over common goals. Each gathering focused on South Carolina-specific issues while celebrating the unique artisanship and foodways that shape the state. Below are the themes for each year:
- 2016 Weekend: Building South Carolina’s Opportunity Infrastructure
- 2015 Regional Gatherings: Strengthening regional DLI networks and reflecting on the great impact DLI alumni have had in the state
- 2014 Weekend: One Million Engines: Reducing Poverty, Bridging the Divide, and Creating Real Economic Development in South Carolina
- 2013 Weekend: The Intersection of Poverty, Justice, and the Economy
- 2012 Weekend: The Intersection of Poverty, Health Care, and Education