Middle Tyger Community Center breaks ground on new early care and education center to expand access to high-quality childcare in Spartanburg County

$19 million combined investment by SEW Eurodrive, South Carolina General Assembly, Spartanburg Academic Movement, and Spartanburg School District 5 to provide 285 childcare allotments, impacting more than 100 families.

The Middle Tyger Community Center (MTCC) celebrated a major milestone today with the groundbreaking ceremony of the Middle Tyger Education Center. This new, 44,500-square-foot facility will sit on 13.08 acres at 101 S Danzler Rd, Duncan, SC 29334—located in the Town of Duncan on the corner across from Byrnes High School. The center aims to address the critical shortage of early childhood education resources in western Spartanburg County, an area designated as a childcare desert.

“With 73% of South Carolina kindergarteners classified as ‘not ready’ for school, investing in early childhood education is more important than ever,” said Haley Grau, Executive Director of MTCC. “The development of the Middle Tyger Education Center represents our unwavering commitment to ensuring that all families—regardless of income—have access to quality, affordable childcare. We are especially grateful to partners like SEW Eurodrive, Spartanburg Academic Movement, and Spartanburg School District 5. This project is proof that public-private partnerships can truly move the needle for children and families—and serve as a model across the state.”

For over 25 years, MTCC has been a cornerstone of the Spartanburg County community, providing essential support services to families. The addition of the Middle Tyger Education Center will further MTCC’s mission to improve educational outcomes, empower communities, break cycles of generational poverty, and promote long-term family stability.

SEW Eurodrive, a major employer in the region and one of the lead investors in the project, has a long-standing relationship with MTCC. Many of the families served by the Center are employed by the company, and its support is a reflection of its commitment to the community.

“SEW Eurodrive is proud to invest in the future of this community by supporting the Middle Tyger Education Center,” said Rainer Blickle, Vice President of SEW Eurodrive USA. “We believe strongly in the mission of MTCC and in the power of early education to uplift families. This project will have a lasting impact—not only for our employees’ families but for the broader economic and social health of the region.”

Beyond its educational impact, the Middle Tyger Education Center will generate significant economic benefits. The construction phase will create jobs, and once operational, the center will provide employment opportunities for early childhood educators and support staff. Research underscores the long-term benefits of investing in early education, including a 46% reduction in incarceration rates, a 33% decline in violent crime arrests, and a 26% decrease in reliance on government assistance.

Additionally, the new center will help alleviate the financial strain of childcare on local families. In the region, the average cost of childcare is approximately $300 per week, or $14,000 annually—an expense that places a heavy burden on working parents. By expanding access to high-quality early education, the Middle Tyger Education Center will provide much-needed relief and support to families striving for economic stability.

For more information about MTCC and its programs, please visit www.middletyger.org.

About Middle Tyger Community Center

A one-of-a-kind certified family resource center dedicated to strengthening individuals and families in Spartanburg County, the Middle Tyger Community Center is set apart from similar organizations by its 26-year history, network of collaborating partners, quality of comprehensive programs, and the commitment of its well-educated and experienced staff. By partnering with multiple organizations, MTCC is able to provide a wide range of services, including: comprehensive navigation and support for kinship caregivers; GED and adult literacy classes; sliding-scale individual and family counseling services; crisis-relief and emergency food and utility assistance; senior services; high-quality early child care and education services; and various other resources for individuals, families, and children. Through its programs and resources, MTCC empowers families to achieve long-term success and build a brighter future for their children.