OneSpartanburg, Inc. reveals work-based learning brand – EDGE
April 22, 2026
OneSpartanburg, Inc. announced a new, formalized brand to coalesce efforts to engage Spartanburg’s youth labor force: EDGE.
The announcement was made among private sector and public employer partners. EDGE is the latest addition to OneSpartanburg, Inc.’s ongoing effort to increase opportunities for work-based learning opportunities like internships, apprenticeships, and more for Spartanburg County students.
“EDGE brings together all the work we’ve done so far under one easy-to-identify heading” said OneSpartanburg, Inc. Chief Talent Officer Dr. Ron Garner. “As of today, finding your ‘edge’ in the workforce has never been easier across Spartanburg.”
The name ‘EDGE’ references the leg-up gained through early career experience for students, as well as the added talent pipeline employers gain when successful work-based learning programs are developed.
The work of EDGE is supported by the OneSpartanburg Vision Plan, a countywide economic and community development strategy, and Movement 2030, a Spartanburg Academic Movement-led plan to dramatically advance economic mobility and educational attainment across Spartanburg County.
The drive to create work-based learning opportunities countywide has been successful. In summer 2024, employers committed to 203 of these placements. That number rose to 556 in summer 2025 and will eclipse 600 in total for the summer of 2026.
Taylor Dement, OneSpartanburg, Inc. vice president of talent strategy, said he is excited to see the continued growth of student workforce engagement under the new heading.
“Internships are critical experiences for students — often giving them an advantage in starting salary, number of job offers, and entry-level success. But they also offer a practical recruitment pipeline for both private-and public-sector employers with longer employee retention rates, hence the name EDGE,” Dement said.
About OneSpartanburg, Inc.
Our mission is to build a vibrant Spartanburg through business, economic, talent, and tourism development. Whether you’re looking for business resources, economic expertise, community leadership or tourism information, OneSpartanburg, Inc. is where you’ll find it.
About Spartanburg Academic Movement
SAM works to create opportunities for families and advance opportunities for children and teachers through cross-sector partnership, collaboration, and data-driven improvement. SAM runs Movement 2030 which is a sweeping plan to dramatically advance educational advancement and life success in Spartanburg County.
