OneSpartanburg Unveils Re:Degree Program to Boost Degree Completions
In Spartanburg County, with nearly 48,000 residents carrying some college credits but lacking a degree, the need for a transformative initiative was apparent. OneSpartanburg, a local organization, has launched a new program, Re:Degree, devised to eliminate hurdles to degree completion and multiply economic opportunities.
The Re:Degree program was inaugurated on April 16, 2024, and it has already made a noticeable difference in the lives of several individuals. One such beneficiary is Ebony Smith, a single parent to five children, whose dream of earning an accounting degree was put on hold due to her financial responsibilities.
Ebony Smith: Testament to the Transformative Power of Re:Degree
Ebony Smith declared Re:Degree a blessing that has reignited her aspiration of obtaining a bachelor’s degree in accounting. As a divorced mother positioned with the task of financially supporting her five children, she was compelled to prioritize immediate work over her academic goals previously. However, despite not possessing a degree, Smith managed to start her own bookkeeping and tax preparation business.
She learned about the Re:Degree program through her involvement in Power Up Spartanburg, another initiative by OneSpartanburg designed to assist small and minority businesses. With the financial aid, staff assistance, and accountability furnished by Re:Degree, Smith now envisions a clear path to securing her associate’s degree from Spartanburg Community College and eventually, a bachelor’s degree in accounting from USC-Upstate in less than two years.
Re:Degree: A Vehicle for Economic Opportunity
Ron Garner, OneSpartanburg’s Chief Talent Officer, explained that the prime motivation behind Re:Degree is to expand the economic possibilities for individuals like Smith and the thousands of other county residents who had to prematurely enter the workforce. Garner, as a former superintendent of Spartanburg County District One Schools and the first in his family to graduate college, recognize the critical role education plays in unlocking economic opportunities.
The director of adult degree reengagement at OneSpartanburg, Erin Smith, stated that the targeted beneficiaries of this program fall into two broad categories. The first category includes individuals like Ebony Smith, who have some college credits and wish to complete a degree. The second category comprises people looking to change their career tracks or focus areas.
Smith affirmed that Re:Degree seeks to meet people where they stand in their lives and provide them with the necessary tools and resources to progress and attain their educational goals, thereby extending their economic possibilities.
Re:Degree: A Glimpse into the Local and National Impact
Here’s a snapshot of the nationwide and local scenario involving students who have some college credit but no credential as of July 2021:
- The national Some College, No Credential (SCNC) population was projected at 40.4 million, witnessing an increase of 1.4 million from 2020.
- South Carolina reported an SCNC population of approximately 487,000.
- The majority of SCNC students were under 35 years of age at their last enrollment.
In conclusion, the Re:Degree program symbolizes hope and opportunity for those eager to transform their lives through education. For more information on this transformative initiative, visit the official Re:Degree website.
