Onespartanburg, Inc., Truist Financial Corporation, partner to offer state’s only Truist Leadership Institute Emerging Leaders Certification program

April 23, 2024

OneSpartanburg, Inc. and Truist Financial Corporation have partnered to offer the first-of-its-kind Truist Leadership Institute Emerging Leaders Certification program to local high school students.

The first cohort to earn this certification was at Viking Early College, a partnership between Spartanburg School District 7 and Spartanburg Community College.

Truist Leadership Institute also offers its Emerging Leaders Certification to college students across the region, and the program will come to Spartanburg County in the fall of 2024.

“We are providing opportunities for both high school and college students to get a certification that is attractive to employers as they’re looking for internships or to start careers,” said Taylor Dement, Director of Talent Solutions at OneSpartanburg, Inc.

Truist Leadership Institute Emerging Leader Certification (ELC) for high school students is rooted in psychology and focuses on foundational self-awareness needed to grow leadership capabilities. The program allows students to explore their strengths, opportunities, and behaviors as they begin to shape their leadership journey.

Truist Leadership Institute is proud to partner with OneSpartanburg, Inc. to provide leadership development programming for high-school and undergrad/graduate students. Our purpose is to inspire and build better lives and communities through leadership development,” said Madison Hester, Truist Leadership Institute Senior Leadership Development Instructor. “As we believe that who you are is a reflection of how you lead, our immersive programming creates a unique experience for each student. These high-potential students develop an understanding of their strengths and opportunities, enhance their leadership capacities, and define who they want to be as leaders.

Upon completion of the ELC program, students earn a Truist-authorized certification for their resumes and LinkedIn profiles; a high-value add for anyone looking to differentiate themselves, according to Dement.

In all, the ELC program for high-schoolers totals three hours of content, meaning it can be integrated into existing programs like Junior Leadership Spartanburg, Dement said.

“The way they give the facilitators material to teach, and the way students carry on that information, I find a lot of value in that from all sides,” Dement said. “This certificate is a really good sign this student will be self-aware, knowledgeable, and take training really well.”

 

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.

About Truist Leadership Institute

During the past half-century, Truist Leadership Institute, and its legacy firm Farr Associates, has developed and refined approaches to business leadership through collaborative work with clients in top companies throughout the United States. Through a unique approach that leverages self-awareness to enable better business outcomes, the institute empowers corporate executives, business owners, Truist teammates and educational leaders to be more effective leaders, increase employee retention and improve the bottom line. Beginning with each client’s specific goals and challenges, the institute’s consultants identify the best approaches to address a company’s needs and tailor offerings to individual executives, teams or both. Its offerings also include research, educational programs and consulting to help develop leaders in the education and nonprofit sectors. Based in Greensboro, N.C., Truist Leadership Institute campus offers a unique experience including immersive spaces for learning, individual guest rooms, a unique “Treehouse” meeting room, dining area and fitness facilities within scenic, lakeside surroundings. More information about Truist Leadership Institute can be found at truistleadershipinstitute.com.

About Truist Financial Corporation

Truist Financial Corporation is a purpose-driven financial services company committed to inspire and build better lives and communities. With over 275 years of combined BB&T and SunTrust history, Truist serves approximately 12 million house-holds with leading market share in many high-growth markets in the country. The company offers a wide range of products and services through our retail and small business banking, commercial banking, corporate and investment banking, insurance, wealth management, and specialized lending businesses. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Truist is the seventh-largest commercial bank in the U.S. Truist Bank, Member FDIC. Learn more at Truist.com.