5 Major Ways Columbia Urban League Inc. Is Reshaping South Carolina In 2025
The Columbia Urban League Inc. (CULSC) continues to be a pivotal force for social and economic change in South Carolina, driving initiatives focused on racial inclusion and financial stability for underserved communities. As of this current date, December 24, 2025, the organization has solidified its reputation through prestigious recognition and the expansion of its high-impact programs, underscoring its commitment to fostering a more equitable society.
This deep dive explores the freshest updates and core initiatives that define the CULSC's current mission, highlighting how their strategic vision and dedicated leadership are translating into tangible community transformation across the Midlands and beyond. From youth development to workforce readiness, the League’s 2025 agenda is setting a new standard for non-profit effectiveness.
The Leadership and Mission Driving CULSC's 2025 Success
The Columbia Urban League, Inc. is a multi-service, non-profit agency dedicated to promoting financial stability and racial inclusion within the community. Their work is part of the larger National Urban League movement, focusing on empowering Black and underserved communities.
Key Biographical Profile: James T. McLawhorn, Jr.
- Role: President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Columbia Urban League, Inc.
- Tenure: Mr. McLawhorn has served as President and CEO since 1982, providing decades of consistent leadership.
- Community Involvement: He is an influential figure in the South Carolina business and civic community.
- Recent Recognition: He was announced as a member of the Columbia Chamber Board of Directors for the 2025-2026 term, demonstrating his continued influence in regional economic development.
Under his guidance, the CULSC has achieved significant milestones, including its recent recognition in 2025.
Recognition and Core Values
In a major update, the Columbia Urban League was proudly announced as a "Best Practice Charity" by the National Association of Nonprofit Organizations in July 2025. This designation is a testament to the organization's operational excellence, financial transparency, and measurable impact in the community.
The League's core work is structured around five pillars of empowerment:
- Youth and Education
- Workforce Development
- Housing and Financial Literacy
- Health and Quality of Life
- Civil Rights and Advocacy
The 5 High-Impact Programs Defining CULSC in 2025
The Columbia Urban League’s impact is most visible through its comprehensive suite of programs designed to address systemic barriers and foster self-sufficiency. These initiatives are the engine of their mission, ranging from early education support to advanced career training.
1. Science Technology Enrichment Program (STEP)
The STEP program is a cornerstone of the League’s commitment to education and future workforce readiness. It focuses on exposing youth to critical Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields, preparing them for high-demand careers in the 21st-century economy. The program often includes virtual and in-person components, ensuring accessibility for students across Richland County.
2. Columbia Urban League's Pre-Apprenticeship (CULPA)
CULPA is a crucial workforce development initiative. It provides foundational skills and training necessary to enter formal apprenticeship programs and skilled trades. This program is directly aimed at closing the skills gap and providing pathways to stable, high-wage employment for adults and young adults in the Columbia area.
3. Project Ready & College Internship Program (CIP)
Project Ready is a multifaceted youth development program that prepares middle and high school students for college and career success. Complementing this is the College Internship Program (CIP), which provides college students with professional experience, mentorship, and networking opportunities, bridging the gap between academic life and the professional world. These programs collectively offer career development opportunities for teens, specifically reaching students aged 14 through 19.
4. Safe Haven Youth Leadership Camp and Saving Our Sons
Focusing on mentorship and positive development, the Safe Haven Youth Leadership Camp provides a structured environment for youth to develop essential leadership, teamwork, and life skills. The 'Saving Our Sons' initiative is specifically designed to address the unique challenges faced by young Black males, offering targeted mentorship and support to guide them toward positive outcomes and away from negative influences.
5. Excellence in Education Parent Support
Recognizing the vital role of family in a student's success, this program empowers parents with the tools and knowledge to effectively advocate for their children's education and actively participate in their academic journey. By strengthening the family unit's involvement in schooling, the League ensures a holistic approach to educational excellence.
Annual Events and Community Advocacy
Beyond its structured programs, the Columbia Urban League maintains a strong public presence through key annual events and consistent advocacy efforts, keeping civil rights and racial equity at the forefront of the community conversation.
The Annual MLK Breakfast
The Annual MLK Breakfast is one of the CULSC’s most significant yearly events. Dedicated to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., this event serves as a critical "call to action" to promote the "beloved community" ideal. It brings together community leaders, policymakers, and citizens to reflect on past progress and commit to future efforts in justice and humanity.
Recent Advocacy and Community Involvement
The League consistently urges greater community involvement on key issues. For example, in October 2023, the CULSC held a press conference to stress the need for public participation in local governance and social issues. This ongoing advocacy work is essential for ensuring that the voices of underserved populations are heard in discussions about affordable housing, economic opportunity, and policy changes in Columbia, SC.
Furthermore, the Columbia Urban League Young Professionals (CULYPSC) serves as a dynamic auxiliary, engaging the next generation of leaders. The Young Professionals group, with leaders like Vice President Levine Dash, Jr., focuses on volunteerism, philanthropy, and political engagement to support the parent organization's mission.
The Future: Sustaining Impact and Equity
The Columbia Urban League Inc. is not just reacting to community needs; it is proactively shaping the future of South Carolina. By focusing on measurable outcomes and earning recognition as a Best Practice Charity, the organization ensures its resources are deployed effectively to maximize impact. The sustained leadership of James T. McLawhorn, Jr., combined with the vital work of initiatives like STEP, CULPA, and Project Ready, guarantees that the CULSC will remain a powerful catalyst for financial stability and true racial inclusion well beyond 2025.
The organization’s commitment to youth development—through career skills, leadership camps, and educational support—is a direct investment in the long-term prosperity and equity of the region. Citizens and stakeholders are encouraged to support these programs to help the League continue its mission of empowering communities and changing lives.
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