About The Riley Institute for Public Policy & Civic Leadership
Transforming the systems that shape how we learn, work, and engage in civic life.
Our Vision
A thriving society where every person—regardless of background—can access a transformative education, engage in meaningful work, and shape the future of their community.
Our Mission
The Riley Institute advances quality education, economic opportunity, and civic participation across South Carolina and beyond. We develop diverse leaders and collaborate with partners to transform the systems and policies shaping our communities, drawing on Furman’s expertise, convening power, and engaged students to drive lasting change.
How We Do It
We accomplish our mission by:
- offering cross-sector and specialized leadership development,
- conducting applied primary and secondary research, and
- hosting and facilitating strategic community convenings
to equip stakeholders and Furman students with the evidence, networks, and mindset to drive collaborative solutions and lasting progress.
Our Values
Nonpartisanship / Evidence / Compassion / Diversity / Collaboration
Our values reflect both the foundational principles of Furman University and the character of our namesake, former U.S. Secretary of Education and two-term Governor of South Carolina, Richard W. Riley ’54. Secretary Riley’s life and work have been marked by his belief in advancing the greater good over party or self and in fostering an informed, inclusive society built on knowledge, collaboration, and respect for all people. His legacy continues to guide our work.
Nonpartisanship – We elevate policies and practices that help our state and nation fulfill the American promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness by focusing on what research and experience show to be most effective—regardless of partisanship. We welcome thoughtful perspectives from across the political spectrum and promote collaboration for durable, shared solutions.
Evidence – Our work—spanning leadership development, policy analysis, and community engagement—is grounded in research and evidence. We follow where the data leads, relying on studies that meet the highest standards of integrity, peer review, and methodological rigor.
Compassion – While we build our programs on research and evidence, we ground our work in the lived experiences behind the data. We elevate the voices of those most affected by our community’s challenges, believing that those closest to community problems are also closest to the solutions. Compassion—rooted in our shared humanity and guided by humility—means walking alongside others, learning from their insights, and being moved to act upon them.
Diversity – Understanding, embracing, and leveraging our differences for stronger decisions and outcomes is foundational to our work. People’s choices and ideas are shaped by their personal experiences, and better solutions—for communities, organizations, and our country—emerge when many perspectives inform the path forward.
Collaboration – No solution to the greatest challenges of our time will be found or realized in isolation. As a systems-focused organization, we understand that policies, practices, power dynamics, and mindsets are interconnected in ways that form the barriers to and opportunities for progress. Progress requires deep cooperation among government, business, nonprofit, and civil society to create meaningful, enduring change.
Centers and Areas of Work
In addition to revising our mission and vision and articulating the core values that infuse every aspect of our work, we have also renamed some of our centers and defined a clear scope of work for each. We have also mapped out our areas of focus and what we hope to achieve with our programming in each area.
Center for Diversity Strategies
The Center for Diversity Strategies equips cross-sector leaders with the tools needed to harness the unique perspectives and experiences of all people in their organizations and communities to drive positive change and enhance economic and civic vitality.
Center for Civic Engagement
The Center for Civic Engagement connects students and community members in learning, dialogue, and action to address local challenges and strengthen civic participation. Our programs elevate community voices and foster cross-sector partnerships, building solutions that improve outcomes for all.
Center for Education Policy & Research
The Riley Institute’s Center for Education Policy and Research promotes evidence-based strategies and public policies to improve education quality and access. Through applied research, leadership development, and capacity-building, the center works to advance equity and improve outcomes for children, families, and communities.
Areas of Work
Education Quality and Access: Programs and resources that equip teachers and public education decision makers with the tools and evidence to ensure every child has access to high-quality learning in schools, afterschool and summer programs, and higher education.
Economic Opportunity: Programs and resources designed to understand economic disparities and advance pathways to upward mobility, and to equip leaders with necessary tools to strengthen organizational performance and mission-centered outcomes by expanding opportunities for all.
Civic Participation: Programs and resources that inspire individual and collective action to address public concerns, foster understanding and collaboration in a pluralistic society, and elevate community-led, co-created solutions.