Columbia, South Carolina
March 31 – April 1, 2025
Join us March 31 and April 1 in Columbia, South Carolina, for the MCEC 360 Summit.
MCEC 360 Summits provide opportunities for cross-sector collaboration, idea sharing, and programming support, as well as discuss the benefits of Purple Star Readiness – and how to apply for or sustain designation. The Summit is open to professionals, students, and parents of our military-connected children.
The event is free of charge. Social connection and wellness will be the overall focus areas for the Columbia 360 Summit with MCEC professional development courses, Military-Connected Youth in Caregiving Roles and Social and Emotional Learning and the Military Child. National Purple Star School leaders, to include state-level leadership partners in education, government, non-profit and military will also be presenting wellness best practices, intentional leadership and much more! Day two follows up with Student 2 Student® introductory training for school groups, and a fun, interactive workshop for families with MCEC’s Tell Me A Story®.
Please register by March 24 for the professional development, parent, and student events.
This 360 Summit is funded through the South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs and is supported in partnership with Richland Two School District.
Questions?
Please contact Sara Jane Arnett at Sarajane.Arnett@MilitaryChild.org.
Part 1: For Professionals
Join us for a day of professional learning! We’ve lined up a star-studded cast of presenters for you:
- Mary Bier, MCEC President & CEO
- CSM (RET) Lamont “Chris” Christian, Big Red Barn Warrior PATHH Program Director
- Lindsey Dablow, MIC3 Operations and Training Associate
- Jason Fowler, SC Department of Veterans’ Affairs Military Affairs Coordinator
- Fred Henley, Ft. Jackson Student Liaison Officer
- Kelsie Carter, Richland Two District Military Liaison
- Pete LuPiba, Founder of Purple Star School Program, OH MIC3 Commissioner
- Deborah MacQueen, Shaw AFB School Liaison Program Manager
- Dr. Kim Moore, Richland Two Superintendent
- Dr. Kim Priester, SC MIC3 Commissioner
- COL (RET) Kevin Shwedo, SC Department of Motor Vehicles Executive Director & SC CASA
Monday, March 31, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. EST
Richland Two School District
763 Fashion Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
What to expect:
- Professional development sessions geared to support military connected-students in your community.
- Collaboration and networking opportunities with other educators and community leaders in the area.
Breakfast and lunch provided. Please register by March 24, 2025.
Continuing Education Credits:
Upon completion of the survey, participants may apply for two clock hours of continuing education credits for a fee of $10.00. Continuing education credit applications must be received within 12 months from the completion of the event.
Part 2: For Students
On day 2 of the Summit, MCEC will conduct a Student 2 Student (S2S) event for K-12 schools. S2S is a peer-to-peer student-led program that brings military and civilian students together to welcome new students, create a positive environment, support academic excellence, and ease transitions.
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. EST
Richland Two School District
763 Fashion Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
This program is designed for school groups. Breakfast and lunch provided. Parents must register students. Please register by March 24, 2025.
Continuing Education Credits:
Upon completion of the survey, participants may apply for six clock hours of continuing education credit for a fee of $30.00. Continuing education credit applications must be received within 12 months from the completion of the event.
Part 3: For Parents and Children
Join us for an evening of fun and learning with MCEC’s Tell Me A Story (TMAS), featuring the book “Change Sings.” TMAS uses literature and storytelling in a way that fosters resilience, strong peer and parent connections, and a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. EST
Richland Two School District
763 Fashion Drive
Columbia, SC 29229
Each family will receive a copy of the book to take home with them. Dinner is provided. Please register by March 24, 2025.
Questions?
Please contact Sara Jane Arnett at Sarajane.Arnett@MilitaryChild.org.
Have a Question? Ask an MSC!
Do you have a question regarding transition or the needs to best serve your military-connected child? Connect with a Military Student Consultant.