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Achieve

Academic Challenges Helping Individuals Expand Values and Education

The ACHIEVE (Academic Challenges Helping Individuals Expand Values and Education) Program is administered by the University of South Carolina Upstate. ACHIEVE is an educational and employment program that serves high school dropouts and graduates who are unemployed or underemployed (ages 16* – 24) from Cherokee, Spartanburg and Union counties.

The ACHIEVE Program works with these out-of-school youth by helping them work toward completing their education, finding employment and enhancing their self-esteem in order for them to become productive citizens.

A Program of the Upstate Workforce Development Board


Complete the pre-screening


Eligibility Requirements

  • 16-24 years of age
  • High school dropout or those with a high school diploma/GED who are unemployed or underemployed and not attending college. 
  • Resident of Cherokee, Spartanburg or Union County
  • Must meet certain economic guidelines established by the Department of Labor

*16-year-olds are accepted under special circumstances.

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  • GED Program
    Participants receive individualized and group instruction in writing, science, social studies, literature and math in preparation for the GED exam.

    Pre-Employment Training
    Participants learn the skills and attitudes needed to succeed in the working world. This training will consist of preparing resumes, completing applications, practicing interview skills, learning to maintain a job and taking the WorkKeys Assessment. 

    Life Skills
    Participants learn about nutrition, family planning, positive social behaviors, drug abuse, consumer credit and the court system.

    Job Placement
    This service helps participants find and keep unsubsidized jobs (work experience jobs are available).

    Transportation
    Transportation is available to and from the training site in Spartanburg.

  • Cherokee, Spartanburg, and Union counties

    ACHIEVE Program, Director
    Anna Oswald, M. Ed.
    Phone: 864-680-6664

    Class Schedule
    Monday – Thursday
    9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

    TTY: 711
    Contact Us

    Physical Address:
    145 N Church Street, Spartanburg SC 29306

    Mailing Address:
    800 University Way 
    Spartanburg, SC 29303


    Job Coordinator

    Career Readiness Specialist

    GED Instructor

    Adult Ed Liaison

    Specialist/Program Assistant

    Van Drivers

    Bobby Gibbs 
    Ken Gowan