ORANGEBURG, SC | What began as an opportunity for college exploration became a celebration of academic achievement, leadership, and future possibilities as (15) Successteam Youth Council Scholars visited Claflin University for an immersive college and career readiness experience. The visit marked a significant milestone for Successteam Foundation for Youth Development, as 100% of participating Class of 2027 Scholars received acceptance into Claflin University, accompanied by multi-year scholarship offers.
For an organization committed to preparing young people for life beyond high school, the achievement represents more than college admission. It reflects years of intentional preparation, academic accountability, leadership development, and meaningful exposure to postsecondary opportunities.
15 Youth Council Scholars participate in an immersive campus experience highlighting academic achievement, leadership development, and the power of alumni connections.
From College Exploration to College Acceptance
Throughout the campus experience, Scholars engaged with Claflin University representatives, explored the institution’s academic environment, and gained firsthand insight into college life, admissions, and the expectations associated with higher education. The experience provided Scholars with an opportunity to envision themselves beyond high school while connecting their current academic and leadership development to future educational goals.
For members of the Class of 2027, the experience carried an additional level of excitement as Scholars received certificates of acceptance and multi-year scholarship opportunities recognizing their academic preparation and potential. The milestone reinforces Successteam’s commitment to ensuring Scholars are not simply introduced to college opportunities, but are actively prepared to pursue and secure them.
“Our goal has never been to simply expose Scholars to college campuses. We want to position them to walk onto those campuses knowing they belong, understanding their opportunities, and having the credentials to be competitive,” said Tim Behling, Founder & CEO of Successteam Foundation for Youth Development.
“Seeing our Class of 2027 receive college acceptances and multi-year scholarship offers is a testament to what happens when preparation meets opportunity. This is the type of outcome we work toward every day.”
Through its College & Career Readiness curriculum, Successteam emphasizes academic achievement, professional development, informed decision-making, and the importance of preparing early for life after graduation. The organization’s approach extends beyond helping Scholars identify potential colleges. It focuses on equipping them with the knowledge, confidence, and competencies necessary to become competitive applicants and successful college students.
A Full-Circle Experience: Successteam Alumni Return to Lead
One of the most meaningful aspects of the visit was the involvement of Successteam Alumni & Current Claflin University Students De’Sharion Burnette, Jayden Broughton, and Hailee Goldwire, who supported the campus experience and participated as hosts. Their involvement provided current Scholars with an opportunity to engage with individuals who have previously navigated the Successteam experience and are now contributing to the next generation of leaders. More importantly, their participation demonstrated the value of maintaining meaningful connections beyond graduation.
As Successteam continues strengthening its Alumni Association and developing opportunities for alumni engagement, experiences like the Claflin University visit illustrate the importance of creating a leadership pipeline in which former Scholars return to encourage, inform, and support those following in their footsteps.
For Logan Woodward, Successteam Youth Council President and member of the Class of 2027, the experience also reinforced the importance of humility and remaining open to growth as a developing leader.
“We’re all leaders, but we all got things to learn,” Woodward shared during the visit, emphasizing that effective leadership requires a willingness to be guided, coached, and challenged.
Her perspective reflects the culture Successteam seeks to cultivate, one in which leadership is not defined solely by titles or accomplishments, but by continued growth, service, and a commitment to helping others succeed. The involvement of Successteam Alumni alongside current Youth Council leadership created a powerful illustration of the organization’s mission in action: Scholars becoming leaders who, in turn, help develop other leaders.
Building Relationships That Create Opportunities
Claflin University’s warm reception reflected the importance of intentional partnerships between institutions of higher education and organizations preparing the next generation of college students. Throughout the visit, university representatives and student leaders engaged with Scholars through conversations, presentations, and opportunities to learn more about the Claflin experience.
The institution’s emphasis on leadership, transformation, and academic excellence closely aligns with Successteam’s mission of developing future-ready young leaders. For Scholars considering historically Black colleges and universities, the experience also offered meaningful exposure to the culture, community, traditions, and educational opportunities available at an HBCU.
By connecting Scholars directly with institutions like Claflin University, Successteam continues advancing its commitment to Education, Enhancement, and Exposure, ensuring young people receive the knowledge, experiences, and support necessary to make informed decisions about their futures. These relationships are especially important as Successteam continues expanding its college and career readiness initiatives and strengthening opportunities for Scholars across the Central Savannah River Area and Midlands regions of South Carolina.
More Than a Visit. A Measurable Milestone.
The Claflin University experience highlights several meaningful outcomes for Successteam’s ongoing college readiness efforts:
- 15 Youth Council Scholars participated in the campus experience.
- 100% of participating Class of 2027 Scholars received acceptance into Claflin University.
- Multi-year scholarship offers accompanied the Class of 2027 acceptances.
- Three Successteam Alumni returned to support and host the experience.
- Scholars engaged with university representatives and student leaders through college readiness conversations and campus activities.
Collectively, these outcomes demonstrate how early preparation, institutional relationships, and continued mentorship can create tangible opportunities for young people.
While college acceptance represents an important achievement, Successteam recognizes that preparing Scholars for long-term success requires continued investment in academic readiness, leadership development, financial literacy, career exploration, and personal growth. The organization remains committed to creating experiences that move Scholars beyond simply considering their futures toward actively preparing for them.
Congratulations to the Successteam Class of 2027 on this remarkable achievement. The future is taking shape, and the best is yet to come.
Help Us Prepare the Next Generation of Leaders
Experiences like the Claflin University campus visit are made possible through meaningful partnerships, community investment, and a shared commitment to youth development.
As Successteam continues expanding opportunities for young people, individuals, businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations are invited to join the mission through financial contributions, volunteer engagement, institutional partnerships, and program support.
Together, we can continue turning preparation into opportunity and opportunity into achievement.
Visit www.successteam.org to learn more about Successteam Foundation for Youth Development, support its programs, or explore opportunities to get involved.
Successteam Foundation for Youth Development is committed to preparing the next generation of leaders through leadership development, college and career readiness, workforce development, and service. Since 2015, the organization has impacted more than 10,000 young people through educational experiences and leadership opportunities.
Where Youth Become Leaders.