Spartanburg Academic Movement's 2023 Advocacy Agenda

SPARTANBURG ACADEMIC MOVEMENT'S

ADVOCACY AGENDA

JANUARY 2023

OVERVIEW RATIONALE Spartanburg Academic Movement (SAM) recognizes that educational outcomes are inherently connected to economic stability and mobility. Educational opportunity gaps in Spartanburg County exist because structural barriers, including racism and poverty, prevent equitable access to resources for quality educational opportunities and outcomes. In advocacy efforts, SAM is non-partisan and issue focused.

Those most closely impacted by an issue or policy will be active participants in our advocacy work to transform our community into a place for everyone to thrive, from cradle to career and beyond. We rely on data to inform practice and policies, utilizing data as a flashlight, not a hammer, to show gaps without being punitive in nature.

CRITERION FOR INCLUSION Does this policy promote equity, address opportunity gaps and structural barriers, or expand access to educational opportunity and economic mobility?

Is there a feasible pathway for enacting, paying for, and implementing the policy?

Does the issue fall outside of the SAM scope, but directly impacts our work?

Are local policy makers in Spartanburg likely to meet about this issue?

Will those closest to the issue be better off if this policy is enacted?

Are there other community partners working on this policy?

Does the policy address educational opportunities or outcomes in Spartanburg County?

Is the policy nonpartisan and issue focused?

ADVOCACY ROLES LEAD

ADVOCATE

SUPPORT

MONITOR

SAM takes a high-level leadership role to educate elected officials, partners, and community members on an issue with a clear policy position.

Policies will be feasible, non-partisan, and move towards systems change. Staff dedicate time, resources, and capacity to support research, advocacy efforts, and partner mobilization efforts.

Advocacy at this level entails lending our organization’s name to sign-on letters, sharing information and data, and supporting other organizations through providing evaluation, technical support, or funding. We will lean on those leading the work in the issue area and will be advised on how to utilize resources and social or political capital.

SAM will have a clear policy stance at this level and bring visibility to an issue. Work will be focused on educating and empowering the community on an issue. SAM may join coalitions at this level to advance policy and advocacy work. Staff provide educational materials, research, and actively track policy updates relating to the issue area.

We recognize that some issues outside of our purview of outlined priorities or mission will directly impact our work. SAM will monitor bills and issues that directly or indirectly impact health, education, or economic mobility. We may or may not take a stance but will utilize available resources to track legislation and efforts of those organizing on the issue.

PRIORITIES GNINRAEL YLRAE

State

KEY

Role

Lead

Advocate

Support

Monitor

Spartanburg County

Analyze current investment in PN3 (Prenatal to 3) infrastructure and support additional state investment in prenatal to early learning outcomes.

Partner with Hello Family on investments in PN3 outcomes and explore the scaling of programs at county level.

Expand state tax incentives beyond $100,000 for major employers to establish a childcare program in order to increase access to quality childcare for parents in the workforce.

Analyze 2023 EDI data release to inform early care and education efforts.

State

Role

NOITACUDE 21-K

Support universal free school meals without an application.

Spartanburg County

Role

Role

Support Continuous Improvement work with partners in our Four Schools.

Expand ACEs training with educators, OST organizations, and community partners through the Center for Resilient Schools and Communities.

Expand place-based work for family supports and academic success.

State

Role

Spartanburg County

YRADNOCES-TSOP

Continue monitoring state funding of SC WINS scholarship.

Advance the Five Investment Recommendations set forth by PostSecondary Degree Attainment Task Force and Vision Plan 2.0 to raise educational attainment levels.

Support licensure of DACA recipients in pursuit of career pathways and support to in-state tuition at state universities and technical colleges.

Increase programmatic and policy efforts to increase FAFSA completion beyond 50% to drive post-secondary enrollment in the county and statewide.

Expand Workforce Scholarships for the Future beyond 2024 to eliminate the cost burden of obtaining associates degrees.

Role