Public Education Partners and Greenville Drive Announce My Drive to #Teach864 Campaign

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Public Education Partners (PEP) and the Greenville Drive announced today that they will continue their support of Greenville’s public school teachers through the My Drive to #Teach864 campaign. The annual #Teach864 Night between the two organizations is a celebration of teachers across all Greenville County Schools, and is one of the most highly anticipated events at Fluor Field each year.

However, Covid-19 and the cancellation of the Drive’s 2020 baseball season prevented the event from taking place in its usual format this year – but that’s not stopping the team from going to bat for teachers.

As school doors reopen, PEP and the Drive will be launching a two-week community fundraising effort – My Drive to #Teach864 – to support programming focused on teacher health and wellbeing, appreciation, and access to professional development for the 2020-21 school year. These programs represent one of PEP’s three strategic priorities – Elevating Teachers – which is focused on recruitment, retention, and morale initiatives that cultivate increased teacher satisfaction.

In celebration of PEP’s 35th anniversary and the Drive’s 15th anniversary, the organizations are committed to raising $35,000 from August 24th through September 7th by asking individuals to pledge $8.64 a month or make a one-time gift of $100, $50, or $25 in support of Greenville County’s teachers. Corporate sponsorships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 are also available in support of the campaign.

Pledges to the campaign, as well as more information on PEP’s programming, can be made online at www.pepgc.org.

“Statewide data shows that teachers are leaving the classroom earlier in their careers than ever before. In Greenville County, 40% of teachers leaving the profession did so within the first five years,” stated Catherine Schumacher, PEP CEO & President. “Understanding that teachers are facing more hurdles than ever as they return to school this fall, PEP is doubling down on our commitment to teacher retention and morale. We are lucky to have community partners like the Greenville Drive that also recognize the importance of this moment and are joining us in thinking innovatively about how we support teachers.”

“While we may not be able to hit home runs at Fluor Field this season, that will not prevent us from hitting them in the classroom with PEP and Greenville County Schools,” Craig Brown, Greenville Drive Owner & President. “During our first 15 years our mission has always been, and will continue to be, a part of the fabric of the Upstate Community. Despite not having a Drive baseball season this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have doubled-down on that support, which includes our support of Greenville County Schools and Public Education Partners. We look forward to watching this campaign deliver valuable resources and opportunities to teachers.”

In addition the Drive, significant financial pledges have been made to the My Drive to #Teach864 campaign by Greenville Federal Credit Union, and others.