From Hyde County

This summer two undergraduate anthropology students at East Carolina University have been working as interns for the Hyde County Office of Planning and Economic Development through the State Employees’ Credit Union Foundation public service internship program. Both interns are working on research projects aimed at improving economic development by better understanding the needs of the local business community.

Tyler Beasley and Anna Lawrence began their internships on July 6, 2015. They have lived and worked in Hyde County for the duration of their internships; 300 hours of service each. A living stipend is provided by ECU, with no cost to Hyde County.

Mr. Beasley is working to create an inventory of all the businesses and industries in Hyde County. The database will provide the Office of Planning and Economic Development valuable information such as business type, number of part-time and full-time employees, and current needs to increase economic and environmental sustainability.

Ms. Lawrence is developing a survey to identify Beaufort County Community College courses that will meet the workforce needs of Hyde County businesses as well as the interests of local residents. The survey report is expected to determine a suitable set of course offerings by BCCC instructors at the Hyde Business Center in Engelhard, with the overall goal of improving economic success of businesses and the ability for Hyde County citizens to attain gainful employment.

If you would like to share your thoughts and participate in their research, please visit the Davis Center in Engelhard or call Tyler at (910) 991-5883 or Anna at (252) 531-1060.

The students will conclude their internships on August 14, 2015.