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After the incredible success of our collaboration with East Carolina University (ECU) in 2024—where 15 Beaufort County high school students had the chance to attend ECU’s inspiring Summer Youth Innovation Camp for free—we thrilled to share exciting news for 2025.

This year, we’re expanding our free youth development programs from one camp to three, offering even more opportunities for local High School students (14 -18) to learn, grow, and thrive:

These camps equip local youth with essential entrepreneurial skills like creative problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership, helping them turn ideas into action. High school students gain confidence and innovation skills, and recent graduates preparing for college or the workforce gain practical tools and an entrepreneurial mindset. Best of all, all camps are free, ensuring equal access for everyone.

1. Summer Youth Innovation Hybird Camp – Back by popular demand, this 5-day hybrid camp combines activities at both ECU and here at the PBRC. Students get to go to camp on the big Purple ECU Bus.
2. Summer Youth Innovation Camp  For the first time, we’re hosting ECU’s 8th annual full 5-day camp right here in Washington, NC, open to all students aged 14–18.
3. Student Success Program: This brand-new PBRC 3-day workshop is designed specifically for recent high school graduates (ages 18–22) to help them transition smoothly into college or the local workforce.

To make these expanded programs a reality, we’ve set an ambitious but achievable goal to raise $20,000. and we’re kicking things off with a very special event: Magic of Innovation: A Night with Illusionist Shaun Jay, April 25, 2025 at Turnage Theater, Washington.

Shaun Jay is more than a magician—he’s an inspiring performer who combines jaw-dropping sleight-of-hand with powerful storytelling. You may have seen him on Masters of Illusion, TEDx stages, or major TV networks like FOX, ABC, and NBC. Now, he’s bringing his one-of-a-kind magic to Washington, NC, for a night you won’t forget—all to support our local youth entrepreneurship development programs.

Thanks to the generosity of the Beaufort County Arts Council, we’re able to use the beautiful Turnage Theater for free. This means every dollar from ticket sales will directly fund these free youth programs. But ticket sales alone will not cover all our camp program costs – and that’s where we need your help.

Let’s make a difference together. If you’d like to sponsor, donate, or learn more about our programs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at keith@pamlicobrc.org or my cell phone, 310-850-6445.

Keith Hudson is executive director and founder of the Pamlico Business Resource Center, a not-for-profit organization serving Washington and Beaufort County.