Re:Degree marks 1 year of impact across Spartanburg County

OneSpartanburg, Inc. today celebrated the anniversary of Re:Degree by announcing the initiative’s impact over its first year.

Re:Degree, launched in April 2024, is an initiative designed to break down barriers to degree-completion for more than 50,000 Spartanburg County residents with some college experience but no degree.

In its first year, Re:Degree has led to:

• 695 individuals have begun the process to reenroll
• 118 individuals reenrolling in college
• 9 individuals graduating with a degree
• 2 individuals earning certifications to advance in their career field

Re:Degree is an initiative of OneSpartanburg, Inc., powered by Movement 2030, a sweeping plan led by the Spartanburg Academic Movement to dramatically advance economic stability and educational attainment across the county.

“The completion of my degree has allowed for a heavy cloud to be lifted and a beautiful rainbow full of possibilities and opportunities to appear,” said Kimberly Anderson, the first student to earn a degree thanks to the Re:Degree initiative. “Without Re:Degree, I’m not sure I’d ever have the financial means, as a single mom, to pay for and complete my BA in Studio Art.”

Anderson works in the special education department at Jesse Boyd Elementary School. She earned her degree from Converse in 2024 and planned to pursue her master’s degree to become a fully-accredited art teacher.

Data used to build the OneSpartanburg Vision Plan 2.0 directly inspired Re:Degree’s creation. A team of College Navigators, along with staff at local colleges, work with individuals to overcome barriers preventing them from earning a degree.

“If you live in Spartanburg County, there’s no better time than now to finish your educational journey. Thanks to the Spartanburg Academic Movement and Movement 2030, students have access to resources and support like never before. Don’t wait another day; engage with Re:Degree now,” said OneSpartanburg, Inc. President and CEO Allen Smith.

Anyone interested in connecting can visit www.ReDegreeSpartanburg.com and fill out an inquiry form, which will provide a snapshot of the individual so a customized plan can be crafted.

An official 1-year Re:Degree celebration event will be held from 9 AM-12:30 PM on Saturday, April 26 at the OneSpartanburg, Inc. office.

MORE QUOTES

“The past year has been remarkable. Taking an initiative from an abstract concept to fully-implemented reality is no small undertaking. Then for Re:Degree to be so embraced by the community has been astounding. We’re literally changing lives and creating a generational impact through economic mobility. A post-secondary credential still has relevance, and we see it every day with our reengaged learners.”
— Dr. Erin Smith, OneSpartanburg, Inc. Director of Adult Degree Reengagement.

"Completing Year 1 of the Re: Degree program has shown us what we thought - so many of our residents wish to complete their degree but didn't know or believe it was possible. The encouraging numbers reflect the dedication and hard work of our participants, who are now on a path to achieving their academic goals. Re: Degree is not just about earning a degree; it's about opening doors to new opportunities, fostering personal growth, and contributing to the economic vitality of Spartanburg County. We are proud to see the difference this program is making in the lives of our residents and look forward to continuing this journey of empowerment and success." — Dr. Russell Booker, CEO of Spartanburg Academic Movement 

“After a long career in education, the work of Re:Degree is exciting, and it’s important; not just for the individuals we help earn their degrees, but for all of Spartanburg County. Educational attainment is critical to attracting and retaining jobs. Not only that, but higher educational attainment for an individual means a higher earning potential for degree-holders. That’s what Re:Degree is all about.”  
— OneSpartanburg, Inc. Chief Talent Officer Dr. Ron Garner

“Re:Degree, for me, has been support. It helped me find the confidence to find my voice and the confidence to finish what I started. It’s one step at a time, and it’s one class at a time. It helps to have someone push you. There are people out here who aren’t looking down at you, they’re looking out for you. They want to empower you.”
— Stephanie Peak, Career Development Facilitator, and Re:Degree student pursuing her Early Childhood and Family Studies degree from Southern Wesleyan University

MORE KEY STATISTICS

• 52,203: number of adults living in Spartanburg County who have earned some college credit but no degree
• $42,123: median annual earnings countywide for high school graduates with no college degree
• $59,012: median annual earnings countywide for workers with a bachelor’s degree’
• 57%: percentage of advertised, open job positions requiring a minimum of an associate’s degree or higher in Spartanburg County