Converse Joins Big Mo in Expanding Access to College
Converse has joined the Spartanburg Academic Movement (SAM) and Movement 2030 as a partner to Big Mo, a local program designed to support every senior across Spartanburg County’s nine public high schools as they plan for life after graduation. Through this initiative, high school seniors in the Class of 2026 will have the opportunity to receive up to $4,000 per year in tuition funding at Converse.
Big Mo provides local high school seniors with personalized guidance, reminders, FAFSA and financial aid support, and access to community-based resources. Students who enroll in Big Mo will also become eligible for direct financial awards if they attend one of the program’s partner institutions – now including Converse as well as USC Upstate, Spartanburg Community College, and Spartanburg Methodist College.
Converse President Dr. Boone Hopkins said the university looks forward to this expanded partnership with Movement 2030 and the Big Mo program, which will provide significant financial support for Spartanburg County high school graduates.
“Converse’s vision of making a transformative educational experience open to all is perfectly aligned with Movement 2030’s goals of expanding access to higher education and building economic mobility.”
Dr. Boone J. Hopkins
“Converse’s vision of making a transformative educational experience open to all is perfectly aligned with Movement 2030’s goals of expanding access to higher education and building economic mobility,” Hopkins shared. “Our culture of belonging and collaboration prepares students to build bright careers right here in Spartanburg and beyond, driving our city and region vibrantly forward.”
Hopkins serves as a member of the Integrated Planning Advisory Group and the Movement 2030 Advisory Board for the Spartanburg Academic Movement. His desire to empower others and positively impact his community makes him particularly passionate about Movement 2030’s focus on helping Spartanburg be a community where everyone thrives.
“Big Mo is more than a program for students – it’s an investment in Spartanburg’s future,” said Dr. Russell Booker, CEO of Spartanburg Academic Movement. “By helping every student take their next step after high school, we’re strengthening our workforce, building healthier and more prosperous families, and laying the foundation for a stronger community and economy for years to come.”
In addition to the “Big Mo” incentive, Converse also offers a variety of other financial aid and scholarship programs, including The Converse Guarantee and the First Day Ready textbook program, to help eliminate the barriers to a college education.