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South Carolina State University Extension outlines local programs, seeks larger Colleton County office
Summary
Cornelius Hamilton of South Carolina State University Extension described 4‑H programs, nutrition and agriculture training, local economic impact and plans to relocate the office to a larger Colleton County facility to expand services and staff.
Cornelius Hamilton, a representative of South Carolina State University Extension, outlined the office’s local programs and asked the Colleton County Council on May 6 to help the office find a larger facility in the county.
Hamilton said the extension office — based in Hampton and serving Colleton, Hampton, Allendale, Jasper and Beaufort counties — offers youth 4‑H programs, community economic development services, family nutrition and health classes, college-and-career readiness activities and sustainable agriculture assistance for small farmers. He said the office uses in-person, virtual and hybrid models to deliver programming and partners with schools, businesses and nonprofits.
Hamilton said the office runs spring-break day camps and weeklong residential camps, a homeschool 4‑H club that received tool donations from Tractor Supply for a gardening project, cooking-demonstration courses that require attendees to complete at least six of eight sessions, and career workshops and internships aimed at first‑generation college-goers.
Hamilton described the local economic impact of the extension’s work: about 80% of extension staff live locally and program supplies, catering and vehicle maintenance are purchased in the region. He said the office currently has seven staff members and is hiring; he gave a target starting salary of roughly $50,000 for new full‑time hires.
Hamilton said the office is seeking a larger, approximately 5,000‑square‑foot facility in Colleton County to expand programming and staff. “My goal is to have a facility that will offer office space as well as room to conduct some of my services outside of the building,” Hamilton said.
A council member asked how many people are currently on staff; Hamilton replied the office has seven employees and said he hoped to complete the expansion by the end of the year. Council members and presenters discussed how the county could help the extension identify suitable space and potential partnerships.
The presentation closed with a request that the council consider assisting with relocation options and continued collaboration on program delivery and youth outreach.
A county council contact or staff member would be the next step for Hamilton’s relocation request; no formal county action on relocation was recorded at the May 6 meeting.
