‘Take that next step’: Upstate college access program offers post-grad resources, scholarships to students – wspa.com
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA) — The Spartanburg Academic Movement and Movement 2030 announced the launch of Big Mo, a college access program for high school students.
Starting October 1, public high school students from all seven Spartanburg school districts will have access to the program portal for help and resources regarding post-graduation steps.
During the first year, Big Mo will connect high school seniors with “the answers, support, and resources they need to pursue college or a high-level certification.”
In fact, the program has a texting platform so students can communicate with a Big Mo staff member for help understanding financial aid applications, guidance on college and career options.
Students will also have access to work-based learning or internship opportunities, application deadlines, and access to community-based resources.
Additionally, students who sign up for the program also become eligible for renewable scholarships to attend local Upstate colleges.
For the class of 2026, various scholarship amounts are:
Scholarship eligibility will not include SAT scores, GPA requirements or required degree programs.
Movement 2030 leaders said there will still be resources available to students who attend Converse University or Wofford College.
Scholarship funding comes from Movement 2030, “a countywide initiative designed to dramatically improve academic achievement and life success for Spartanburg children and families.”
Doctor Russell Booker, CEO of the Spartanburg Academic Movement, said work toward the program started years ago.
“Big Mo is a part of a larger community effort to boost educational attainment in Spartanburg County,” Dr. Booker said. “This is an issue we’ve been working on dating back to 2008 with our original task force report and now, this last big piece of the puzzle really puts together a comprehensive program for our students, both high school and adult.”
Booker said data shows that 19.8% of Spartanburg students had completed a 4-year degree in 2008.
One of Movement 2030’s goals is to raise that number to 70% by 2030. Currently, 59% of Spartanburg students have completed post-secondary degrees.
Meghan Smith, Director of the Center for Postsecondary Success for the Spartanburg Academic Movement, said Big Mo is one part of the bigger picture for student success.
“This is about building momentum for every student. No matter their path, Big Mo helps them to take that next step,” Smith said.
Big Mo will also be a resource for guidance counselors to ease the workload of tracking a senior’s graduation progress.
Using Economic Mobility Systems, Big Mo will feature a “customized dashboard that functions as a case management system. Counselors and Big Mo staff can log and monitor each student’s milestones” like completing the SAT or ACT, submitting the (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) FAFSA and college application submissions.
Superintendent of Spartanburg School District 7, Jeff Stevens, said the portal will help students and parents who may not know how to navigate college or careers, all while lowering barriers to pursuing higher education.
“I think it’s very important to know that the number one barrier for our students getting to college is that of finances,” Stevens said. “I think this offers a piece with this Big Mo launch for our students to take away some of those barriers that may keep them from going to college.”
Although the portal initially helps high school seniors, in coming years, it will expand to include to students as young as 8th grade to help build their customized roadmap to college.
Leaders said signing up for Big Mo is easy can be found online and on social media. Students can also get help signing up or ask questions about the portal at various college fairs across Spartanburg County.
