LGS Application

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Leadership Grand Strand Application

Leadership Grand Strand is now accepting applications for Class XLVI which will begin in August 2025.

Applications along with three letters of reference and any applicable scholarship requests must be submitted no later than June 30, 2025.

Download the Application

LGS Tuition Assistance

William F. Pritchard Scholarship Fund

The William F. Pritchard Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to applicants who need tuition assistance and fit the selection criteria for the program. Scholarships are awarded solely by the LGS Board of Regents Selection Committee. The amount and number of scholarships are determined by the LGS Board of Regents. Completing the scholarship application does not guarantee tuition assistance.

Download Bill Prichard Scholarship Application

About William F. Pritchard

William “Bill” Pritchard founded Leadership Grand Strand. He started his career with Burroughs & Chapin Company in 1977 and served in many roles, including executive vice president and interim president and CEO, before Jim Apple was hired. He helped select and guide the company’s architectural firms through the designs of the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes, Grande Dunes Resort Clubhouse, Members Club Clubhouse, Ocean Club, Vista Del Mar Luxury Condominiums and Villa Firenze Condominiums. After participating in Leadership South Carolina, he led the efforts to create the local program in Myrtle Beach.

Pritchard was born in upstate New York and moved to North Carolina as a child. He received a bachelor’s of architecture degree with honors from North Carolina State University. Pritchard served in the U.S. Army as a first lieutenant 1964-1967 and was awarded two Bronze Stars for his heroism and meritorious achievement in the Vietnam War. He and his wife, Lineta, have been married more than 50 years.

Bennie J. Swans Jr. Scholarship Fund

The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Educational Foundation offers an annual scholarship to Leadership Grand Strand (LGS) to provide full-tuition for one person from an underrepresented group.

The Bennie Swans Scholarship is paid for by the chamber’s educational foundation which is funded by local business contributions. The foundation also awards scholarships to local high school students each year.

The scholarship will cover the cost of the current LGS program tuition. The recipient must be accepted to the program and come from an underrepresented group.

Download the Bennie Swans Scholarship Application

About Bennie J. Swans Jr.

The scholarship is named after Bennie J. Swans Jr., a longtime community and civil rights activist. Swans is best known as the driving force behind the formation of Freedom Week – the annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations in Myrtle Beach. He is former chair of the Horry County Democratic Party. Swans was a decorated United States Army veteran who fought during the Vietnam War. He passed in September 2020.

About MBACC Diversity Equity & Inclusion Council

The mission of the MBACC Diversity Equity & Inclusion Council is to promote growth and enhance community awareness about the value and advantages of creating and sustaining diverse and inclusive businesses and workplace environments. Diversity is defined as any respect in which people or groups may differ, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, ability status and veteran status. Our goals are to encourage entrepreneurship, support the growth and development of businesses owned by individuals from underrepresented and marginalized groups, cultivate diversity leadership by providing resources and services for our diverse business community and help the community recognize the importance of all consumers.

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