What is Grow Local?

Grow Local is a no-cost/educator initiative designed to introduce, involve, inspire, and invest in the future of our community and workforce.  Originally introduced in 2018, Grow Local is a program designed to create and unveil career interests, grow the talent pipeline, and connect local businesses to future employees.  During Grow Local Week, Pitt County businesses open their doors to host local middle and high school students, providing them with a unique opportunity to identify career paths and opportunities they may be unaware of.

From tours of local businesses, conversations with business leaders, and hands-on activities, students will have first-hand experience at a day in the life of an employee in a field relevant to curriculum they are studying in their class.

          

2026 Grow Local Week Presented by:

Gold Sponsors:

    

            
            

2026 Volunteer Sign Up Links

Volunteers may click on any of the session links below to sign up:

Grow Local is an exciting initiative led by the Greenville Pitt County Chamber of Commerce, Pitt County Schools, Greenville ENC Alliance, Pitt County Economic Development and ECU Health, where Pitt County businesses open their doors to host local middle school and high school students, providing them an experience to introduce, involve, inspire, and invest in lives of students and young adults.

Businesses, schools, and volunteers are critical to making this a success. We thank all those involved in this event. Volunteers are needed to be the liaison between the teachers, the businesses, and the Chamber. Volunteers will meet the buses as they arrive at the businesses, introduce the teachers and staff to the contact with the business, and make sure all students board the bus at the end of their experience.

Questions?
Contact Kimber Stone or call (252) 752-4101 ext. 2222.

Testimonials

"Grow Local is an incredible opportunity for students in Pitt County to see the potential career growth that is available in Eastern North Carolina. Not only does it ignite a spark in the students, but it shows them that fulfilling, lifelong careers can be created from the passions that they love. At Red Shark Digital, we participate in Grow Local to further instill the passion of digital marketing, and the opportunities available right here in our community. As a globally recognized, award-winning agency, we recognize the career opportunities in our industry that are at their fingertips - and any way we can further develop or cultivate that passion in students... we'll do it!" - Alaina Corsini, Marketing Director, Red Shark Digital

Sponsorship Opportunities

There are multiple sponsorship levels:

  • Presenting ($3,000)
  • Video Sponsor ($2,000)
  • Gold Sponsor ($1,000)
  • Program Supporter ($125)

For more information, contact Kimber Stone or call (252) 752-4101 ext. 2222.

Payment