Economic opportunity depends on more than access to jobs—it is shaped by the systems and supports that help individuals and families thrive. Through the Riley Institute Summer Experience (RISE), Furman students work with organizations across the Upstate advancing educational attainment, community development, and opportunity infrastructure, including affordable housing, childcare, transportation, and reentry services. By contributing to this work, participants help expand opportunity while developing the skills, experiences, and networks needed to become future leaders. RISE strengthens both the organizations addressing local challenges and the talent pipeline needed to sustain this work for years to come.

OneSouthCarolina reflects The Riley Institute’s belief that lasting progress happens when leaders from across sectors work together to expand opportunity and strengthen communities. Through a series of awards and convenings, OneSC celebrates the leaders, partnerships, and initiatives creating pathways to economic mobility, fostering collaboration, and improving outcomes for South Carolinians. By elevating successful models and sharing lessons learned, OneSC helps communities across the state identify practical approaches to advancing prosperity and opportunity for all while inspiring continued progress statewide.

Each year, The Riley Institute and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI@Furman) partner to present StraightTalk, a three-part speaker series exploring timely issues that shape our communities, economy, and civic life. Featuring nationally recognized experts, academics, and practitioners, the series provides participants with diverse perspectives on some of the most pressing challenges facing South Carolina and the nation. By fostering informed dialogue and connecting participants with leading thinkers and practitioners, StraightTalk helps deepen understanding of the policies, trends, and systems that influence economic opportunity and community well-being.

Strong nonprofit organizations play a vital role in expanding economic opportunity by helping individuals and families access the resources, supports, and pathways they need to thrive. The Riley Institute’s strategic learning consulting services help organizations strengthen their impact by assessing outcomes, measuring effectiveness, and communicating results. Through individualized consulting and capacity-building support, organizations gain the tools to refine their strategies, demonstrate what works, and make data-informed decisions that improve outcomes for the communities they serve.