When Lanie Arrowood first considered finding an internship the summer after graduating high school, she never imagined it would lead her to a life-changing opportunity with Spartanburg Academic Movement. Along with hundreds of high school juniors and seniors placed in paid internships across Spartanburg County in summer 2025, she was eager to find a space where should gain real-world experience while preparing for her future.
The Spartanburg Talent and Retention (STAR) Fellowship internship program, which is facilitated by OneSpartanburg, Inc. and powered by Movement 2030, aligns Spartanburg County employers to offer internship opportunities for high school juniors and seniors like Lanie.
With a goal of 400 summer placements, the program exceeded expectations by creating 556 meaningful work-based learning placements. Combined, students worked 40,882 hours with an economic impact of $339,000 and had an average hourly pay of $13.17.
What Lanie found through this internship was so much more than a resume boost; it was a launching pad.
“This internship gave me a better grasp on how an organization is framed, what workplace culture really looks like, and how to articulate myself in a professional setting,” Lanie shared. “I feel much more prepared for college and everyday life.”
Over a nine-week period, Lanie supported several SAM initiatives and community projects within the Center for Youth Engagement and Partnerships. She played a key role in reviewing incoming Youth Philanthropy Board applications, created marketing materials and social media posts, and developed a grant timeline graphic to help participants better navigate the application process.
But the most meaningful experience for Lanie was volunteering at youth summer camps, particularly the City of Spartanburg’s Academy for Innovative Youth Leaders (SAIYL) and works with students ages 14 to 17 and are interested in local government, recreation, developing leadership skills, and becoming engaged in their community.
“Seeing kids talk about their goals and dreams while also learning critical life skills really stuck with me,” she said. “It reminded me of how important it is to support people early on in their journey.”
Savannah Ray, SAM’s director of Center for Youth Engagement and Partnerships was Lanie’s mentor during her summer internship.
“This summer, Lanie was an incredible asset to the Center for Youth Engagement and Partnerships,” Savannah said. “Her dedication and attention to detail strengthened our work and reminded us that when we invest in emerging leaders, we’re not only preparing them for their future, but we’re also equipping them to inspire other youth in our community to lead and take charge of their own futures.”
Lanie, who graduated as valedictorian of Chesnee High School, is now a freshman at Clemson University and pursuing a degree in Environmental Engineering. She credits her time at SAM for helping her walk into this next chapter with confidence and clarity.
“I was nervous at first, but everyone was so kind and supportive,” Lanie said. “They believed in my willingness to learn and supported me every step of the way. I’m so grateful for that.”
High school internship opportunities through OneSpartanburg, Inc.’s STAR Fellowship are made possible by generous gifts to Movement 2030. These experiences directly advance one of Movement 2030’s key priorities of expanding postsecondary attainment and workforce opportunities. Through internships, high school juniors and seniors gain valuable insight into career paths and a clear understanding of the education or training needed to reach their goals. After exceeding this year’s target, STAR Fellowship’s goal is to reach or exceed 600 internships for summer 2026.
Because of your impactful giving, students like Lanie don’t just gain experience; they discover confidence, purpose, and possibility. Your investment helps young people explore their passions, find their voice, and take bold steps toward brighter futures. And in doing so, you’re helping to strengthen Spartanburg’s workforce, one internship at a time.
