In May, the Institute for Youth Justice celebrated 10 years of building bridges between Spartanburg County youth and justice officials. as it honored its 8th graduating class.
Nearly 200 community leaders and supporters gathered at The Piedmont Club for the 2026 Graduation Ceremony and 10 Year Celebration Extravaganza, which took place on Thursday, May 14, 2026, as we celebrate the accomplishments of 26 phenomenal youth that represent all seven Spartanburg County Public School Districts, private and charter schools, and are contributing members to their communities across Spartanburg County.
“Not only do we have the opportunity to recognize these amazing youth for their accomplishments, but we are also celebrating 10 years of impact,” said Hope Blackley, founder of the Institute for Youth Justice. “I am grateful for all of the partnerships that make this program continue to grow.” The Institute for Youth Justice, a liberty fellowship venture, has partnered with the Spartanburg County Foundation since it launched in 2016. Leaders across the Spartanburg County justice system continue to offer their time and leadership to educate these youth year after year. Additionally, this program would not be possible if it were not for the generosity of its donors.
The Institute for Youth Justice is embarking on its next chapter of serving youth, as it looks for ways to increase impact and grow. The launch of its new website is one such way. Additionally, in January, the Institute partnered with OneSpartanburg, Inc., Spartanburg Academic Movement, and many community partners to launch a new initiative to scale up its internship program by providing high schoolers across Spartanburg County an opportunity to explore the local justice system through a community-wide work-based learning initiative aimed at creating a strategic career pathway into law, civic service, and the judicial system through expanded internship opportunities within these areas.
If you would like to make a contribution to the Institute for Youth Justice so that other youth in our community may participate in years to come, please consider a donation to the Institute for Youth Justice Fund at the Spartanburg County Foundation by clicking the DONATE button at the top of the page.
