The BlackRock Foundation invests $1.5M in SAM to spur education + job readiness in Union
Spartanburg Academic Movement (SAM) today announced a $1.5 million grant award from The BlackRock Foundation. The new funds will enable SAM to support the creation of cradle-to-career model in Union County, while also granting funds to local Union County based direct service providers serving youth and families and deepening no- cost professional training for local educators.
The cradle-to-career model emphasizes continuous education and skill development from early childhood through adulthood, aligning educational efforts with workforce needs. By providing comprehensive support and guidance at every stage of development, SAM’s model helps individuals gain the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to pursue their careers and succeed in the workforce.
SAM’s success as a leading education-focused nonprofit in Spartanburg County led to the planning and development of Movement 2030, a 7.5-year comprehensive cradle- to-career plan for Spartanburg County. Movement 2030 has garnered significant philanthropic support, totaling $100 million from notable contributors including Blue Meridian Partners, The Duke Endowment, Blue Cross Blue Shield South Carolina and over a dozen individual, corporate, and philanthropic investors locally. Notably, SAM recently secured a 5-year, $15 million Full-Service Community Schools grant from the Department of Education. This grant will bolster two Spartanburg School Districts, leveraging Movement 2030 as its core framework for sustainable impact.
"Union County and Spartanburg are more than just neighboring communities; we're partners in progress, united in our commitment to building a brighter future together,” said Spartanburg Academic Movement CEO and StriveTogether Board Chair Dr. Russell Booker. “The BlackRock Foundation recognizes that the success of Union's children is paramount to the future local workforce. Our shared vision extends from early childhood education to career development, fostering a cradle-to-career pipeline of opportunity. With over a dozen years on this cradle-to-career journey, we are eager to support Union as they craft a plan tailored to their community's needs.”