OneSpartanburg, Inc., Spartanburg Academic Movement, partner on STAR Fellowship to align educational opportunities with current and future industry needs
January 25, 2024
In collaboration with the Spartanburg Academic Movement, OneSpartanburg, Inc. has launched The STAR Fellowship to better align internship, apprenticeship, and mentorship opportunities with the current and future needs of industries across Spartanburg County.
The Spartanburg Talent and Retention (STAR) Fellowship is designed to help bridge the gap between Spartanburg County’s education and workforce by working closely with Career Development Counselors from the county’s high schools and career training centers (Swofford Career Center, the Daniel Morgan Technology Center, and the R.D. Anderson Applied Technology Center).
“Spartanburg County’s challenge is to meet the needs of its employers today, while preparing for the more diverse, knowledge-based economy the region desires for tomorrow,” said OneSpartanburg, Inc. Chief Talent Officer Ron Garner.
“It’s incredibly valuable for these educational leaders to learn from one another and to facilitate collaboration and exchange ideas across school districts,” added Meghan Smith, SAM’s Director of College and Career Readiness. “While participants are exposed to various corporate and industry leaders, it’s also vitally important for these educators and counselors to inform industry and employers about the specific needs and aspirations of the youth they serve. The beauty of the fellowship is educators and business leaders can learn from one another.”
One of the chief goals of the fellowship is help more than 100 rising high school seniors countywide secure paid internships, which data shows are a proven way to retain talent in a community.
Additionally, the STAR Fellowship will explore how to break down barriers for students who lack social capital or the necessary financial resources so they can find and explore career opportunities outside of school.
“Connecting our STAR Fellowship participants with industry and community leaders will enhance ongoing communication, education, and training of Spartanburg’s future talent, and we hope to cast as a wide of a net as possible,” Garner said.
The fellowship’s 17 current participants meet monthly from September-May to better understand future talent needs and to prepare students to be Spartanburg County’s workforce of tomorrow. Scheduled sessions include topics like health care, advanced manufacturing, hospitality, an internships-focused session, and more.
About OneSpartanburg, Inc.
Our mission is to build a vibrant Spartanburg through business, economic 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.
