Taylor Mincey of Darlington High School and Marcus White of Marion High School have been selected to represent Coker University’s Upward Bound program at the 2025 National Student Leadership Congress (NSLC) in Washington, D.C.

Hosted annually by the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE), the NSLC brings together 100 high school students from TRIO pre-college programs across the United States and its territories. This competitive program is designed to help students strengthen their leadership skills, explore civic engagement, and connect with peers from around the country.

This June, Taylor and Marcus will join fellow TRIO students from the classes of 2026 and 2027 for an immersive, six-day experience in the nation’s capital. While there, they will take part in community service projects, leadership and public speaking workshops, a mock Congress, and a visit to Capitol Hill.

"I'm excited to be chosen for this experience. I want to grow as a person, develop my leadership abilities, and find new ways to give back to my community," said Taylor.

The NSLC encourages students to explore real-world issues, strengthen their communication skills, and practice working collaboratively in high-pressure environments. Students are challenged to research complex topics, evaluate credible sources, and present well-reasoned arguments in a mock legislative setting.

"The student leadership congress in D.C. offers TRIO students the chance to learn about the workings of government and how policies are made,” said James Hall, Director of Coker’s Upward Bound program. “This can help students gain a better understanding of civics and become more engaged citizens.”

"I'm grateful for this opportunity to represent my school and Upward Bound at the Congress. I want to gain new insights, meet peers from across the country, and become a stronger leader," said Marcus.

"Participating in NSLC is a valuable experience that can help students develop important skills and knowledge that will serve them well in their academic, personal, and professional lives," said Kimberly Jones, president of COE. "As we continue to invest in the potential of TRIO students, we see them emerge as leaders who will shape our future for the better."

To learn more about the Federal TRIO programs and opportunities available to students, visit coenet.org.