HILTON HEAD, SC – For the second consecutive year, the University of South Carolina Beaufort was awarded the Peach Belt Conference Connecting Communities Award on Tuesday night at the league's annual dinner in Hilton Head.  The award is presented annually to the PBC member institution who embraces the NCAA Division II core value of community engagement; bringing the institution and local community together.

Throughout the 2025-26 year, the student-athlete advisory committee at USCB partnered with Real Champions, a local organization that serves at risk youth and their families with the goal to impact Real Champions by providing them with a safe, fun environment to connect with the university community. In total, they hosted six in person events, three homework help events and three community outreach events throughout the academic year in an effort to enhance life-skills involving communication, leadership and goal setting. 

Real Champion IN PERSON Events
January 22^nd - Hosted at Soccer Practice
January 26^th - Staff Campus Tour
February 7^th - Hosted at Men’s and Women’s Basketball Games
February 9^th - Valentines Craft Event
March 21^st - Hosted at Baseball Game
March 28^th - Hosted at Softball Game

SAAC Real Champion HOMEWORK HELP on Campus
March 5th
March 19th
April 16^th

Real Champion Community Outreach Events
December 20^th - Christmas Cards
February 10^th - Valentines Day Cards
April 23^rd - Teacher Appreciation Cards

“The involvement of USC-Beaufort SAAC representatives played a significant role in the success of our mentoring program this year. With their support, we expanded opportunities for our children and families through homework help, college game experiences, and other impactful activities. Their involvement encouraged and inspired our students in ways that strengthened our program, enriched the opportunities we provide, and offered valuable additional support to our team and community.” - Kim Deering, Development Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator

“Our partnership with USC-B has been incredibly impactful for Real Champions and the youth we serve. Through their consistent involvement in sports events, tutoring and homework assistance, and engaging hands-on experiences, USC-B has helped create a supportive and inspiring environment for our students. Their student-athletes and representatives serve as positive role models, encouraging both academic growth and personal development. This collaboration has not only strengthened our programming but has also built meaningful connections between our organizations and the community, leaving a lasting and positive impression on the youth we support.” - Cierra Witter Jenkins, Regional Program Director

The Connecting Communities award is the second for USC Beaufort.