Benjamin Franklin Experience hires program coordinator

Benjamin Franklin Experience announced that Michael Rhett McCarthy has joined the team as program coordinator.

“Michael is an incredible asset to BFE. His warmth and passion for improving the lives of students is matched by keen business sense, drive, and diverse knowledge of non-profits. We can’t wait to see him in action this summer,” says BFE Founder, Jonathan Shanin.

Michael will work directly with students and parents, and liaise with BFE business partners to facilitate life-changing experiences this summer. Diverse skills gained as Project Coordinator of the Greenwood Indicators Project—and Humane Educator and Volunteer Coordinator for the Humane Society of Greenwood—will serve Michael well as he manages the complicated logistics, and dozens of relationships, required to make BFE a success.

“I’m excited to wake up every day to show BFE students that they can be the best version of themselves, in whatever career sparks them,” says Michael.

Michael received a B.A. in Religious Studies from the College of Charleston and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration degree from Clemson University. He is recognized as a Competent Communicator and Competent Leader through Toastmasters International, and has completed Together SC’s Carolina Leadership Seminar for nonprofit leaders. Michael aims to be a model of civic engagement and has participated at the leadership level with Greenwood SC Rotary Club, Connect Young Professionals, and Ten at the Top.

Michael is a Greenville native, and is happy to be returning to local family and friends.

Benjamin Franklin Experience

Benjamin Franklin Experience (BFE) is a summer program through which students, ages 14 – 18, have day-in-the-life experiences in inspirational careers led by experts. Fields include STEM, arts, trades, medicine, and more. One day, students work with environmental scientists in a mountain stream, the next, they learn emergency medicine at a state-of-the-art simulation center.

As students discover their own interests and talents, they learn the skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century—leadership, business etiquette, teamwork, writing excellence, creative problem solving, and verbal communication. Students’ future college and employment applications are bolstered with writing assignments, photography, and music from the program. Most importantly, students change their perceptions of themselves and their possible futures, which results in goal-driven behavior necessary to achieve success.

Benjamin Franklin Experience is a program of AidJoy, a 501(c)3 corporation.