Simple Civics: Greenville County

Get ready for the South Carolina 2026 election. Discover who's running in the competitive state-level races, what's on the ballot in Greenville County, and key primary dates. Episode Resources: Check Your Voter Registration Greenville County Voter Information Learn About Election Day Behind the Scenes Thinking of Running for Office? Listen Here. Understanding Primary Runoffs Simple Civics: Simple...

Happy holidays to our EdTalks listeners. While we are on a brief winter break, we thought that a terrific way to send 2025 off in style would be to rebroadcast our conversation with the 2025-26 Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year, Morgan Smith. We hope that you carry some of Morgan's passion and positivity into the new year and beyond. Meet Morgan Smith, the 2025-26 GCS Teacher of the Ye...

Explore Greenville County Libraries' early literacy resources. Discover free library programs for children, expert parenting tips, and tools for kindergarten readiness. Episode Resources: Explore the Greenville County Library System's Events Calendar Learn more about Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Learn more about Public Education Partners Learn more about Greenville First Steps Simple Civics:...

Discover how the Citizens Planning Academy demystifies community planning. Learn from a graduate’s story how you can get involved and make a real impact locally. Episode Resources: Apply for the Citizens Planning Academy (Applications close Jan 14, 2026) Learn more about the Citizens Planning Academy Learn More About Upstate Forever Questions for Tre'Dessa Smalls? Email: tsmalls@upstateforever.org...

What does school safety in Greenville County Schools look like? Get an inside look at the layers of security, from random weapons detection to active shooter training. Episode Resources: Learn more about GCS safety and security Learn more about Public Education Partners Learn more about Greenville First Steps Simple Civics: Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville G...

Discover how Duke Energy in Greenville County is planning for SC's record growth. Hear the full strategy, from its 15-year plan to community involvement. Episode Resources: Learn more about the Duke Energy Foundation Discover more about Mill Village Farms Learn about the OneSC Fund Simple Civics: Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville Get in touch Support Simple C...

Learn what the Greenville County School Board does and how it works. A former trustee demystifies board responsibilities, types of meetings, and how to get involved. Episode Resources: Learn more about Public Education Partners Learn more about Greenville First Steps Find information on the GCS Board of Trustees Simple Civics: Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenvill...

From a founder's unique legacy to a force for change. Hear how Hollingsworth Funds Greenville is boosting economic mobility and planning to transform Laurens Road. Episode Resources: Learn more about Hollingsworth Funds Explore the Vision for the Bolden Street District Read Dr. Raj Chetty's Research on Economic Mobility Discover the History of John D. Hollingsworth on Wheels Simple Civics: Simple...

Learn how public-private partnerships in education in Greenville County address the child care crisis, support teachers, and boost early childhood learning. Episode Resources: Read about the Greenville Alternative Teacher Education (GATE) Program Listen to the Future Teacher Academy episode Learn more about Greenville First Steps Learn more about Public Education Partners Simple Civics: Simple Civ...

Discover Give Greenville, the new nonprofit directory for Greenville County. Learn how to easily support local charities and hear powerful stories from Greer Relief. Episode Resources: Discover the Give Greenville Nonprofit Directory Learn more about Greer Relief Learn more about GirlUp GVL Simple Civics: Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville Get in touch Support...

Learn about the SmartARTS program, a model for nonprofit school partnerships. Discover how arts integration in schools unlocks student confidence and boosts achievement. Episode Resources: Learn more about SmartARTS Learn more about the Metropolitan Arts Council Discover Greenville County Schools Learn more about Greenville First Steps Learn more about Public Education Partners Simple Civics: Simp...

Learn the secrets of the Greenville Water system, from its pristine watersheds to its 100-year plan. Discover how foresight delivers award-winning water quality. Episode Resources: Learn more about Greenville Water Learn more about Renewable Water Resources (ReWa) Learn about Trout Unlimited Learn about Save Our Saluda Simple Civics: Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Gr...

Discover the link between FILOTs and school funding in Greenville County. Learn how these tax abatement programs cost local schools $30 million in annual lost revenue. Episode Resources: Greenville County Budget Basics Guide to SC School Tax Abatements Learn more about Greenville First Steps Learn more about Public Education Partners Simple Civics: Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of...

Discover the 13th Circuit Veterans Treatment Court, where accountability meets grace for veterans. Learn how this diversion program achieves an 80% success rate. Episode Resources: Learn more about Upstate Warrior Solution Learn more about the 13th Circuit Solicitor's Office Simple Civics: Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville Get in touch Support Simple Civics w...

Explore the impact of Act 388 South Carolina on school funding. Learn how a tax swap led to a billion-dollar gap, unfunded mandates, and a strain on local schools. Episode Resources: Greenville County Budget Basics Guide to SC School Tax Abatements Learn more about Greenville First Steps Learn more about Public Education Partners Simple Civics: Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Grea...

Explore RevUp GVL: Revenue for Good, a new program helping Greenville nonprofits move beyond donations and build their own sustainable, mission-aligned earned revenue. Episode Resources: Learn more about the RevUpGVL: Revenue for Good Program Discover our guest Taylor Culliver's nonprofit, Brother Box Learn about Paola Bonilla's work at 20 Degrees Simple Civics: Simple Civics: Greenville County is...

Why is South Carolina school funding so complex? Learn how Act 388 impacts local taxes and the Greenville County Schools budget in this simple explanation. Episode Resources: Greenville County Budget Basics Guide to SC School Tax Abatements Learn more about Greenville First Steps Learn more about Public Education Partners Simple Civics: Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good...

Meet Mauldin City Council Candidate Jason Kraeling. Your vote is so important for the 2025 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors. How the interviews worked: All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their interview. Candidates were allowed to bring along a companion, such as a campaign manager, fa...

Meet Morgan Smith, the 2025-26 GCS Teacher of the Year. She discusses her 3rd-generation family legacy in the district, her "Spark" initiative to fight teacher burnout, and how she creates core memories for her 5th-grade students. Episode Resources: Learn more about Greenville First Steps Learn more about Public Education Partners Simple Civics: Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Gre...

Meet Fountain Inn City Council Candidates Jason Sanders, AJ Dearybury, and Stephan Thomas. Your vote is so important for the 2025 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors. How the interviews worked: All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their interview. Candidates were allowed to bring along a co...

Wondering how to support your high school student? A principal shares advice on fostering independence, helping them self-advocate, & navigating modern career pathways. Episode Resources: Greenville County Schools Parents' Page Learn more about Greenville First Steps Learn more about Public Education Partners Simple Civics: Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenvil...

Meet Simpsonville City Council Candidates Jared Fielding and Jerry Tuso. Your vote is so important for the 2025 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors. How the interviews worked: All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their interview. Candidates were allowed to bring along a companion, such as a...

Navigate the middle school transition with confidence. Get expert tips on parental support for middle schoolers, from encouraging independence to improving communication. Episode Resources: Greenville County Schools Parents' Page Learn more about Greenville First Steps Learn more about Public Education Partners Simple Civics: Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenville...

Meet Greer City Council Candidates Karuiam Booker, Lee Dumas, Judy Albert, and Paul Lamb. Your vote is so important for the 2025 election! Please take a listen and share with your neighbors. How the interviews worked: All candidates received the same question at the time of their invitation to join us, and they were given 10 minutes for their interview. Candidates were allowed to bring along a com...

Strengthen parental support in elementary school with tips from a principal & counselor. Learn how strong parent teacher communication builds a partnership for success. Episode Resources: Greenville County Schools Parents' Page Learn more about Greenville First Steps Learn more about Public Education Partners Simple Civics: Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good Greenvil...