Youth Philantrophy Board members celebrate at Connect Spartanburg’s “You Day” event. YPB members created a peer-to-peer educational presentation on mental health and positive affirmations.
LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
This past year, the Center for Youth Engagement and Partnerships has continued to deepen our commitment to improving outcomes for middle and high school students through expanded access to high-quality out-of-school time (OST) programming. From expanding the afterschool “Collab” model to a second middle school to strengthening professional development and partner coordination, our work continues to be fueled by the belief that every young person deserves access to the supports, relationships, and opportunities they need to thrive.
A major milestone in 2024 was the expansion of the Collab model—our coordinated approach to afterschool programming—from Carver Middle School to Clifdale Middle School, made possible through the Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) grant. This model brings together a network of trusted partners to deliver a diverse menu of enrichment activities, mentorship, and evidencebased programs such as Aban Aya, Girls Circle, and the Teen Outreach Program. These offerings are designed to meet students where they are—socially, emotionally, and academically—while creating consistent, high-quality experiences that build confidence and connection.
In 2024, approximately 80 students across both schools participated in Collab programming. With support from partners like Bloom Upstate, My Brother’s Keeper, and the City of Spartanburg, students engaged in programming that not only extended learning beyond the school day but also fostered a sense of belonging and purpose. Given that young people spend only about 20% of their waking hours in school, OST programs like the Collab model are essential in filling the remaining 80% with meaningful opportunities for growth, exploration, and connection. National data from Afterschool Alliance shows students who participate in Out-of-School Time activities have higher grades, test scores, and increased school attendance. They are more likely to progress through grades on-time and have higher graduation rates, according to the Alliance. For every $1 invested in afterschool programming, there is a $3 return due to a reduction in crime, teen pregnancy, and school dropout rates.
Launched in 2019, the Out-ofSchool Time Collaborative is a coordinated model for middle and high school programming through Spartanburg Academic Movement’s Center for Youth Engagement and Partnerships.
The heartbeat of this work is partnership. In collaboration with our 30+ OST partners, we are building a more aligned system—one that meets youth where they are, centers their strengths, and responds to the evolving needs of our schools and communities. As we look ahead, we remain focused on expanding reach, building capacity, and improving systems—all grounded in a shared vision of opportunity for all. Thank you for being a part of this movement.
Warmly,
SAVANNAH RAY Director, Center for Youth Engagement & Partnerships
CENTER FOR YOUTH ENGAGEMENT AND PARTNERSHIPS
The Center for Youth Engagement and Partnerships (YEP), exists to improve adolescent (4th grade to high school) outcomes by advancing the services, opportunities, and supports necessary for young people to transition into adulthood ready for academic, work, and life success.
YEP supports a collaborative network of Out-of-School Time (OST) providers through shared standards, professional learning, data-driven coordination, and a focus on removing barriers to access. Anchored in evidence-based practices & programming, the Center promotes social, emotional, and academic development while fostering youth voice, agency, and long-term engagement.
Together with partners across the county, YEP is creating more opportunities and a responsive and future-ready ecosystem for youth in Spartanburg
All young people in Spartanburg County in grades 6–12 have access to highquality afterschool and summer programs that build the skills and characteristics necessary for success.
Mission
The Spartanburg County Out-of-School Time Collaborative exists to close persistent opportunity gaps by improving, expanding, and sustaining high-quality afterschool and summer programs for middle and high school age youth.
15 MEETINGS & TRAININGS
239 PARTICIPANTS
3,199
Jasmine
Being a part of the OST Collab has transformed my perspective of youth work. It really feels like a collective effort amongst the partners to be able to provide the young people in our community with the best experiences and opportunities to further their development. No one goes through it alone and there is always a helping hand when you need it. It’s not one organization against another but rather a team working together with one common goal, to uplift the youth and give them a voice. I feel incredibly fortunate that we are able to be a part of this Collab and redefine what youth work looks like in communities.
Patin Youth and Family Coordinator City of Spartanburg
ALLEN BLASH FOUNDATION
For our Collaborative’s inaugural report, we are highlighting an OST Partner who set a bold goal for their first program: to empower students.
The Allen Blash Foundation, connected to our Collab by BRUH Mentor*, launched headfirst into providing their youth with holistic support and unforgettable opportunities through mentorship.
Nicholas Blash, ABF’s Founder, is committed to forming genuine, positive connections with youth. We are proud to call ABF a partner in this work.
Their flagship Youth Empowerment Program and Inspiring Minds After-School Program are designed to support the whole child—academically, emotionally, socially, and athletically. Through these initiatives, they help students:
» Build character and confidence through group mentorship and Social Emotional Learning activities
» Participate in educational field trips, service projects, and local cultural events
» Strengthen academic performance and homework habits with guided support
» Engage in healthy peer interactions, recreational outings, and enrichment
» Improve communication, teamwork, and leadership through their A2E: Academic & Athletic Excellence initiative
I like how ABF taught us that if we want people to be good to us and communicate with us, we have to be able to communicate and trust them just as much. I realized I need to make better decisions because that’s how I’ll grow.
Chastin Cross-Ryu
*BRUH: Brothers Restoring Urban Hope: OST Partner since 2019
SUMMER SHAKEDOWN
The Mary Black Foundation provided initial funding for Summer Shakedown in 2019 to expand access to quality summer programs. In partnership with Connect Spartanburg*, the OST Collaborative administers
Summer Shakedown through SAM as a summer scholarship that enables middle school and high school youth to participate in a wide variety of high-interest summer activities ranging from arts and music to academic and leadership development.
Summer Shakedown has worked to make opportunities accessible to all students, regardless of family income. In the five years since the program's inception, a total of $131,800 has been awarded to over 848 students.
Bloom Upstate played a significant role in my decision to attend Wofford College. I had the privilege of participating in the Bloom Upstate summer camp, which was held on Wofford’s campus. Even though I’ve lived in Spartanburg my whole life, I had never truly experienced or explored Wofford before this opportunity. During the camp, I was struck by how beautiful and welcoming the campus was, and it opened my eyes to the possibility of attending college right in my hometown. That experience planted the seed, and later, when I toured the campus as a prospective student, I fell in love with the atmosphere, the community, and everything Wofford had to offer. Without Bloom Upstate, I may never have considered Wofford—and now, I’m proud to call it my college home.
Wofford College afforded us the opportunity to expand our reach and create programming that complemented the amenities of being on a historical college campus and an experiential learning opportunity for our youth. Our youth had never been on this campus.
It offered them an opportunity to see the potential in attending such a wonderful college. Andrea Johnson
Executive Director Bloom Upstate
Ameria Fowler
Dorman High Graduate and Wofford Student Bloom Upstate Summer Camp Participant
STRONGER THROUGH COLLABORATION
The Out-of-School Time Collaborative embraces their namesake through program collaborations, creating opportunities for both program providers and youth participants to learn.
Through collaboration, partners build bridges which connect youth to services, supports, and pathways to explore their sparks. A student’s spark is what they are passionate about, what brings them joy. Once a student connects what they love with a love of learning, a boost in academic achievement and self-esteem are likely outcomes.
The Sound of Learning maintains ongoing partnerships with esteemed organizations, including Out-of-School Time Collaborative: Spartanburg County, My Brother's Keeper Alliance of South Carolina, Carver Middle, and Clifdale Middle. This collaborative effort is crucial, as it fosters consistency, builds rapport, and provides a safe environment for our youth. We are honored to empower young people through music and dance, and we are pleased to collaborate with like-minded organizations.
The partnership between Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Upstate and HALTER has provided our youth with a unique opportunity to build confidence, emotional resilience, and trust through therapeutic interaction with horses. This collaboration emerged from a shared commitment to addressing mental health needs in a hands-on, supportive environment. It has significantly enhanced our program offerings and deepened the impact on the children we serve.
Charlene Cheeks Chief Executive Officer
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Upstate
Frederick "Son of Ice" Reeves III
Founder The Sound of Learning
OST PARTNERS
Partners are organizations/programs that have adopted the OST Collaborative Vision and Mission, are working to support the five-year goal, and agree to our shared principles.
Want to become a partner in this work? Contact bbabb@learnwithsam.org to get connected.
The Out-of-School Time Collaborative began in 2019 with a simple belief: we can better serve youth by working together. Today, it’s a network of 30+ afterschool and summer programs united in their commitment to Spartanburg students.
More than just a connection point, the Collab offers shared learning, training, and support. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your program or connect with others who care about youth, we welcome you to join us.
» Allen Blash Foundation theallenblashfoundation.com
» Artizen artizenclub.com
» BASIC Babies wearebasic.org
» Beauty Marks for Girls beautymarks4girls.com
» Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Upstate bbbsupstate.com
» Bloom Upstate bloomupstate.org
» The Bridge at Green Street fbs.org/ministries/missions/1714-2/
» Brown Girls Read browngirlsread.org
» BRUH: Brothers Restoring Urban Hope bruhmentorship.org
» Citizen Scholars citizenscholarsinstitute.com
» City of Spartanburg Parks and Recreation cityofspartanburg.org/218/Parks-Recreation
» Classical Healing Keys classicalhealingkeys.com
» Girl Scouts of SC Mountains to Midlands gssc-mm.org
» Girls on the Run gotrupstatesc.org
» HALTER haltersc.org
» My Brother’s Keepers Alliance of South Carolina mbkasc.org
» N.E.S.S.A In Your Neighborhood nessainyourneighborhood@gmail.com
» Scouting America Palmetto Council palmettocouncil.org
» The Sound of Learning thesoundoflearning.com
» Spartanburg Art Museum spartanburgartmuseum.org
» Spartanburg County Public Libraries infodepot.org
» Spartanburg Housing shasc.org
» Spartanburg Science Center spartanburgsciencecenter.org
» Speaking Down Barriers speakingdownbarriers.org
» Sylvan Learning (Spartanburg) sylvanlearning.com
» United T.E.A.M. Initiatives unitedteaminitiatives.org
» Uplift Outreach Center upliftoutreachcenter.org
» Upstate Carolina Adaptive Golf ucagnow.org
» Writer’s Well speakingdownbarriers.org/writers-well.html
» YMCA of Greater Spartanburg spartanburgymca.org
» Hope Remains Ranch hoperemains.org
» Hub City Roots hubcityroots.org
» Just Excellent Productions justexcellentproductions@gmail.com
OST Partners
Access the most up-to-date list of partners
Bailey Babb
Out-of-School Time Coordinator
Spartanburg Academic Movement
» Kids Upstate kidsupstate.org