Contributor: Lynne Shackleford, Spartanburg Academic Movement Director of Communications
Over the last decade, Spartanburg stakeholders have led innovative, cross-sector strategies that have translated into real results for our residents, including increased economic growth, dramatically reducing teen births, and improved academic performance in the county’s highest poverty schools.
These successes are possible because of our deep set of community assets and our strong track record of collaboration. We know, however, there is farther to go to ensure that all can achieve prosperity as Spartanburg County remains in the bottom 10 percent of counties across the country for economic mobility. That reality–where far too many of our children and families are locked into poverty–must change for us to thrive as a community.
Movement 2030 is our community’s plan to dramatically advance economic mobility in Spartanburg County, demonstrating what is possible and setting an example for communities across the country. Movement 2030 has raised $117 million from local, regional, and national funders, which is expected to unlock another $120 million in public and private capital over the plan’s 7-year implementation period.
Movement 2030 has three primary focus areas identified by community members in past planning processes:
Early Care and Education
Postsecondary Attainment
Disinvested Neighborhoods
By 2030, strategies will reach over 60,000 residents, and will contribute to 7,000 additional young people being on a pathway to economic mobility as measured by progress against key milestones. Movement 2030 coordinates critical resources and existing efforts among over 30 local foundations and nonprofits, educational and faith-based institutions, public agencies, and businesses to create the conditions for children and families to succeed in life.
Movement 2030 is the culmination of decades of collaboration by diverse partners throughout Spartanburg. With its launch, we mark the beginning of a generational shift for our community,
said Dr. Russell Booker, CEO of the Spartanburg Academic Movement, which is serving as the initiative’s backbone organization.
By aligning efforts and holding ourselves accountable to clear measures of progress, not only will we improve the lives of thousands of neighbors–we will also be a beacon to the nation of a community where everyone can thrive.
Our vision by 2030 is to advance outcomes while narrowing income and equity gaps:
- 65% of children will enter school ready for success (up from current level of 49%)
- 70% of Spartanburg County high school graduates will enroll in postsecondary education within one year of graduation
- 15% to 30% increase (each indicator) in school readiness and academic progression areas in Highland and Northside communities
Movement 2030 is funded in part by Blue Meridian Partners’ Place Matters portfolio, which provides capital to local, backbone organizations that lead place-based partnerships.
To learn more about Movement 2030, including how to access school readiness and post-secondary resources, please visit movement2030.org.
