Spartanburg Academic Movement

06/08/2026

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06/02/2026

🎉 Exciting news for Spartanburg's children and families!

SAM and the City of Spartanburg, SC have approved the creation of a Children's Cabinet -- a collaborative effort designed to bring together families, community organizations, service providers, and local leaders to help shape policies and systems that impact children and families.

The Children's Cabinet will help strengthen partnerships, elevate community voices, and support coordinated solutions that create better outcomes for children throughout Spartanburg.

This work reflects a shared belief: when communities work together and listen to those closest to the challenges, children have greater opportunities to thrive.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4vqTbK8

Community members invited to apply for leadership body focused on improving outcomes for children and families SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Spartanburg Academic Movement (SAM), in partnership with the City of Spartanburg, is proud to announce the formation of the Spartanburg Children’s Cabinet, a new col

06/02/2026

Today’s the day!

As partners of The EdRedesign Lab at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, we’re excited to remind you that the virtual premiere of DREAM ON’s newest episode on the transformation of Spartanburg, SC’s Northside neighborhood is happening this morning.

This episode tells the story of how residents, local government, school district leaders, a StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network member, and a Purpose Built Communities backbone organization came together to:

✔️ Cut violent crime by 77%

➕ Raise 3rd-grade reading proficiency from 6% to 48%

🏠 Build hundreds of units of new housing

🏬 Open a brand-new community center

👶 Launch a state-of-the-art early learning center

📅 Today — Tuesday, June 2, 2026
🕛 10:00–11:00 AM ET
💻 Virtual | Zoom Webinar

You’ll be among the first to see the episode and hear directly from national and local leaders during a live Q&A moderated by Rob Watson (Executive Director, EdRedesign) with:

Jennifer Blatz, President & CEO, StriveTogether

Dr. Russell Booker, CEO, SAM

Carol Naughton, CEO, Purpose Built Communities

David Summers, CEO, Spartanburg Northside Development Group

There’s still time to join us -- the event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

👉 Register and log in at 10:00 AM ET:

The EdRedesign Lab serves as a catalyst advancing the cradle-to-career field by promoting cross-sector community-based systems of support and opportunity for all children, especially those affected by racism and poverty.

06/01/2026

🎬 Premieres Tuesday: See How Spartanburg’s Northside Rewrote Its Story

What does it take to transform a neighborhood?

Join us on Tuesday, June 2, for the virtual premiere of a new episode of DREAM ON, featuring the remarkable transformation of Spartanburg, South Carolina's Northside community.

Through a powerful partnership among residents, local government, schools, nonprofits, and community leaders, Northside has achieved measurable results:

✔️ Violent crime reduced by 77%
✔️ Third-grade reading proficiency increased from 6% to 48%
✔️ Hundreds of new housing units created
✔️ A new community center opened
✔️ A state-of-the-art early learning center established

As partners of EdRedesign at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, we're proud to share this story of what's possible when a community comes together around a shared vision for children and families.

📅 Tuesday, June 2, 2026
⏰ 10:00–11:00 a.m. ET
💻 Virtual | Zoom Webinar

Following the screening, hear directly from the leaders behind this work during a live conversation moderated by Rob Watson, Executive Director of EdRedesign:

• Jennifer Blatz, President & CEO, StriveTogether
• Dr. Russell Booker, CEO, Spartanburg Academic Movement
• Carol Naughton, CEO, Purpose Built Communities
• David Summers, CEO, Spartanburg Northside Development Group

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

👉 Register today: https://edredesign.org/events/dream-spartanburg-sc

Join us to explore how communities can create lasting change through partnership, shared accountability, and investment in children and families.

05/29/2026

🎓 Academic excellence and leadership create lasting impact far beyond the classroom.

At SAM, we celebrate the achievements of students whose hard work, dedication, and service reflect the kind of future we are working to build across our community. From educational attainment to leadership development and career readiness, these accomplishments inspire us all. 💙

Today, we’re celebrating Jason Levitt, son of Carmen Levitt, on graduating Summa Cum Laude from Furman University with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health! 👏🎉

Jason is a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Omicron Delta Kappa and served as president of the Native American and Indigenous Peoples Association, demonstrating both academic excellence and a strong commitment to leadership and community.

As he begins the process of applying to medical school, Jason continues a journey centered on service, learning, and making a difference in the lives of others.

Congratulations, Jason!

05/29/2026

🎓 Educational achievement creates opportunities that strengthen families, industries, and entire communities.

At SAM, we celebrate milestones that reflect the power of learning, perseverance, and career readiness. From early childhood through advanced degrees and workforce success, every accomplishment helps move our community closer to a stronger future for all. 💙

Today, we’re celebrating Grace Levitt, daughter of Carmen Levitt, on graduating from the University of Virginia Graduate School with a Master of Science in Chemistry! 👏🎉

Grace has also accepted a position with a multinational chemical manufacturing firm in the Upstate, an exciting next step that reflects her hard work, dedication, and bright future ahead.

Her achievement is a reminder of the importance of preparing students not only for graduation, but for meaningful careers that contribute to the growth and success of our region.

Congratulations, Grace!

05/28/2026

Spartanburg's future is bright.

05/28/2026

💙 SAM is proud to support opportunities that help our youngest learners and their families thrive! 💛

Join our community partners for a FREE family event focused on play, learning, and kindergarten readiness. Families with preschool-age children can enjoy hands-on activities, connect with local resources, and learn more about quality early childhood opportunities in Spartanburg.

✨ Hands-on activities from The Children’s Museum of the Upstate
✨ Information about 3K & 4K preschool programs
✨ Kindergarten readiness resources
✨ FREE stroller bag with completion of a developmental screener (while supplies last)

📅 Friday, May 29, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Stewart Park
500 Highland Ave, Spartanburg, SC 29306

At SAM, we believe every child deserves a strong start and every family deserves support along the way. We hope to see you there!

05/27/2026

🎓 Academic excellence and perseverance create pathways to opportunity and impact.

At SAM, we celebrate every milestone that reflects the power of education to transform lives, strengthen families, and build a brighter future for our community. From early learning through postsecondary success and career achievement, these accomplishments inspire the work we do every day. 💙

Today, we’re celebrating W. Maxwell Booker, son of SAM CEO Dr. Russell W. Booker, on graduating with honors from Harvard University! 👏🎉

Maxwell earned his degree in Economics with a French minor while achieving an outstanding 3.91 GPA, which is a reflection of his hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence.

Following graduation, Maxwell will begin his career as an Investment Banking Analyst with Morgan Stanley in New York City, taking the next exciting step in his professional journey.

Congratulations, Maxwell! Your achievement is an inspiration, and we look forward to seeing all you accomplish in the future. 🌟

05/27/2026

🎓 Lifelong learning and servant leadership create lasting impact across generations and communities.

At SAM, we celebrate educational achievement at every stage because each accomplishment reflects the power of dedication, opportunity, and a commitment to helping others succeed. These milestones help advance our shared vision for a stronger Spartanburg where education opens doors and transforms lives. 💙

Today, we’re honored to celebrate Dr. Marlene M. McClerklin, mother-in-law of SAM CEO Dr. Russell W. Booker, on receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Benedict College! 👏🎉

A 1963 Magna Cum Laude graduate of Benedict College in Mathematics, Dr. McClerklin has dedicated her life to excellence in education and service. Over a remarkable 35-year career, she served as a teacher, department chair, assistant principal, district consultant, and Secondary Mathematics Coordinator for Richland School District One - impacting countless students, educators, and families along the way.

Her legacy of leadership, scholarship, and service continues to inspire future generations and reflects the transformational power of education in our communities.

Congratulations, Dr. McClerklin on this well-deserved honor! 🌟