OneSpartanburg, Inc., SAM Join Forces for STAR Fellowship, Bridging Education + Industry for Dynamic Workforce Future
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.
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.
“It’s incredibly valuable for these educational leaders to learn from one another and to facilitate collaboration and exchange ideas across school districts,” said 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.”
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.
STAR Fellowship Participants 2023-24
Lori Means: Spartanburg School District 1, Landrum High School
Catherine Gramling: Spartanburg School District 1, Chapman High School
Kris Teal: Spartanburg School District 2, Boiling Springs High School
Issaia Butler: Spartanburg School District 2, Boiling Springs High School
Lindsey Steven: Spartanburg School District 2, Chesnee High School
Delilah Good: Spartanburg School District 3, Broome High School
Stephanie Peak: Spartanburg School District 3, Clifdale High School
Tevin Logan: Spartanburg School District 4, Woodruff High School
Cindy Sanders: Spartanburg School District 5, Byrnes High School
Eleanor Bain: Spartanburg School District 5, Byrnes High School
Walter Canty: Spartanburg School District 6, Dorman High School
Ann McIntyre: Spartanburg School District 6, Dorman High School
Addie Jones: Spartanburg School District 7, Spartanburg High School
Kerri McAlister: RD Anderson Applied Tenology Center
Cam O’Sullivan: RD Anderson Applied Technology Center
Tyler Hill: Swofford Career Center
Gary Barnard: Daniel Morgan Technology Center
