Converse University will revitalize its long-standing program for adult learners and enhance its veteran services, all thanks to a partnership with Spartanburg Academic Movement’s newest philanthropic endeavor, Movement 2030.
As one of 30 business, university, and nonprofit partners included in Movement 2030, Converse has been entrusted with more than $1 million in philanthropic funds, including a direct award from the Spartanburg Academic Movement and a sub-award from OneSpartanburg.
“With these funds,” Converse President Boone Hopkins, Ph.D. said, “Converse will focus on advancing economic mobility and career readiness by increasing adult re-engagement and degree completion and expanding services and support to veterans – all helping Spartanburg be a community where everyone thrives.”
Spartanburg leaders launched Movement 2030 to dramatically improve social and economic mobility for young people and families in Spartanburg.
Movement 2030 is a community-wide initiative by Spartanburg County for Spartanburg County that brings together local foundations and nonprofits, educational and faith-based institutions, businesses, and philanthropists.
Officials said the initiative is streamlining critical resources and existing efforts around school readiness, postsecondary attainment, and place-based programs in under-invested communities.
The investment will support Converse University with the following goals:
* Boost marketing to increase enrollment and expand support for the Converse II program for nontraditional, adult undergraduate students.
* Hire an admissions counselor focusing on nontraditional students, which includes supporting degree completion for working adult/nontraditional students
* Expand veteran services to assess credit for prior learning and to support retention, academic success and career counseling
* Develop strategies to support male recruitment and retention efforts and increase male student programming at Converse
* Partner with United Way of the Piedmont to welcome a Community Resource Coordinator to the Converse University campus.
Officials said the funds will support Converse’s goal of equipping students to become transformational, adaptable, and responsive leaders.
The officials added Converse’s contributions to local economic growth are evident through programs such as:
* Development of a BA in Healthcare Administration and a new BA in Data Science, based on local workforce needs;
* More than 20 undergraduate and graduate education programs – including the Master of Arts in Teaching programs; and
* The Doctorate in Professional Leadership, the Masters in Management in Professional Leadership, and a new Masters in Management in Community Advocacy.
Converse, founded in 1889 by citizens of Spartanburg, South Carolina, encompasses the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the School of Business and Data Science, the School of the Arts, The Graduate School, and the Converse College for Women.
Spartanburg Academic Movement (SAM) is a nonprofit organization working to improve economic mobility, anchored in building equity and academic achievement across Spartanburg County.
Led by SAM, Movement 2030 is coordinating critical resources and existing efforts among over 30 local foundations and nonprofits, educational- and faith-based institutions, and businesses to create the conditions for children and families to succeed in life, no matter where they are born and raised.