The University of South Carolina Upstate is proud to join Spartanburg Academic Movement (SAM) and Movement 2030 in launching Big Mo, a new program designed to expand college access and post-secondary opportunities for Spartanburg County students.
Big Mo will serve all seniors across Spartanburg’s nine public high schools, providing personalized guidance, reminders, financial aid support and access to community-based resources as they prepare for life after graduation. Students who enroll in Big Mo will also become eligible for direct financial awards if they attend one of three partner institutions: USC Upstate, Spartanburg Community College or Spartanburg Methodist College.
Through this initiative, the Class of 2026 will have the opportunity to receive up to $4,000 per year in tuition funding at USC Upstate.
“USC Upstate is deeply committed to removing barriers to higher education and ensuring that every student in Spartanburg County has a clear and supported pathway to success,” said USC Upstate Chancellor Bennie L. Harris. “This partnership with Spartanburg Academic Movement and Movement 2030 represents an investment not only in the futures of our students but also in the strength of our region. Together, we are creating momentum that will transform lives and communities for generations to come.”
In addition to supporting students directly, Big Mo equips guidance counselors with a new case management tool developed in collaboration with Economic Mobility Systems. The customized dashboard allows counselors and program staff to monitor student milestones, including FAFSA completion, college applications and testing requirements. It also enables real-time communication with students, ensuring no senior falls through the cracks.
The program will scale over time to reach younger students, beginning in middle school, to create a seamless roadmap to post-secondary education and career success.
Big Mo is funded by Movement 2030, a countywide initiative dedicated to improving academic achievement, postsecondary attainment and neighborhood outcomes for Spartanburg children and families.
For more information, visit getbigmo.org or follow @AskBigMo on Instagram and Facebook.