The Riley Institute at Furman

The Riley Institute at Furman Transforming the systems that shape how we learn, work, and engage in civic life. Secretary of Education Richard W. (Dick) Riley. Learn more at furman.edu/riley.

The Riley Institute empowers emerging and established leaders—across sectors and throughout society—with the knowledge and tools to advance equity and drive social and economic progress in South Carolina and beyond. We work to strengthen public education; promote the power of diversity to help teams, organizations, and communities thrive; and elevate informed, evidence-based approaches to critical

public issues. In all it does, the institute is committed to nonpartisanship and a bias-free path to change. Launched in 1999, the Institute is named for former South Carolina governor and former U.S.

An idea from our (DLI) is now taking root at the South Carolina State Museum. 🌱 Planting South Carolina’s Roots, an in...
09/04/2026

An idea from our (DLI) is now taking root at the South Carolina State Museum. 🌱

Planting South Carolina’s Roots, an initiative of a Spring 2026 cohort, partnered with the South Carolina Wildlife Federation to launch the museum's Carolina Wildlife Garden. Filled with plants native to , the garden serves as a living classroom, helping visitors learn about our state’s natural heritage.

Since the garden was planted in May, it has already attracted 22 insect species, including butterflies, bees, beetles, and dragonflies. 🦋🐝

The impact extends beyond the garden. Hundreds of young gardeners have received seeds and planting kits to begin growing native plants at home.

Congratulations to all who helped this idea grow (see what we did there?) from a DLI project into a permanent community resource.

Read the full story: https://www.coladaily.com/communities/state-museum-officially-opens-carolina-wildlife-garden/article_55129083-2e57-447b-b147-907473dcd229.html

09/02/2026

With AI, what starts as a good idea might NOT always lead to a good outcome.

We can design new tools and solutions, but we don’t fully understand their impact until they reach our workplaces, schools, and communities.

So, who weighs the risks? Who bears the consequences?

The University of Virginia's data science professor Renée Cummings takes the stage at 2026: The next week on Tuesday, September 8, hosted by The Riley Institute and OLLI- Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Furman.

🎟️ Limited seats remaining. Buy yours now: https://www.furman.edu/riley/projects/straighttalk-2026/

Everyone has questions about AI. These 5️⃣ deserve the most attention. leaders, the decisions you make today will shape...
09/02/2026

Everyone has questions about AI. These 5️⃣ deserve the most attention.

leaders, the decisions you make today will shape how communities learn, work, and participate in civic life for years to come.

Starting from next week today, hear what leading voices in AI, business, education, and civic life see coming next. AI ethicist Renée Cummings, Axios CEO Jim VandeHei and more are coming to StraightTalk 2026, hosted by The Riley Institute and OLLI- Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Furman,

Claim your seats: https://www.furman.edu/riley/projects/straighttalk-2026/

The Riley Institute has received a $75,000 grant from SC Student Loan Corporation to support our fourth annual Power Up:...
08/31/2026

The Riley Institute has received a $75,000 grant from SC Student Loan Corporation to support our fourth annual Power Up: A Statewide Convening on Afterschool.

Power Up will bring together 150 afterschool and summer learning professionals from across South Carolina to learn from one another, tackle shared challenges, and bring new ideas to their programs. Together, these professionals serve more than 3,000 students statewide.

Thank you, SC Student Loan Corporation. 💜

Some of our biggest assumptions about AI deserve a second look.Swipe through three AI myths worth reconsidering.Then tak...
08/28/2026

Some of our biggest assumptions about AI deserve a second look.

Swipe through three AI myths worth reconsidering.

Then take the conversation offline with University of Virginia's professor of data science Renée Cummings, Axios CEO Jim VandeHei, and other AI experts at 2026: The AI Reckoning.

🎟️ September 8, 15, and 22 at Furman University. See the full lineup and get your tickets: https://www.furman.edu/riley/projects/straighttalk-2026/

AI didn't arrive overnight. But lately, it can feel that way.In 60 years, we've gone from a simple chatbot to technology...
08/27/2026

AI didn't arrive overnight. But lately, it can feel that way.

In 60 years, we've gone from a simple chatbot to technology that writes, reasons, creates, and shapes how we find information.

The question isn't how we got here, but what we do now that we're here.

2026, hosted by The Riley Institute and OLLI- Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Furman, begins on Sept. 8 with three nights of conversation about AI's growing influence on our institutions, democracy, work, and education.

🎟️ Reserve your seat: https://www.furman.edu/riley/projects/straighttalk-2026/

This past Wednesday evening marked the kickoff of a new Upstate year—and an opportunity to honor someone who has helpe...
08/24/2026

This past Wednesday evening marked the kickoff of a new Upstate year—and an opportunity to honor someone who has helped shape the DLI community along the way.

Benny Walker was recognized as a Senior Distinguished Fellow, honoring his leadership, service, and lasting contributions to the institute and its work.

A new DLI year begins, built in part on the leadership of people like Benny who helped make the program what it is today.

Congratulations, Benny!

✨ RISE Highlight: Hanaa with the City of Greenville! ✨What has Hanaa been up to this summer? From digging into city reco...
08/17/2026

✨ RISE Highlight: Hanaa with the City of Greenville! ✨

What has Hanaa been up to this summer? From digging into city records to seeing local government in action, she has gotten a firsthand look at the many pieces that keep Greenville moving. While doing so, Hanaa has also connected with professionals across the city and gained a deeper understanding of how decisions, policies, and projects move from ideas to action.

Hear more about Hanaa's experience in her own words:

"Interning with the City of Greenville these past ten weeks has been a true honor and unforgettable experience. I had the privilege of tagging alongside Councilwoman Tina Belge and working with her on a transit ordinance that’ll hopefully get introduced to City Council in a few years. I also got the opportunity to shadow ten different departments within the city’s purview and learn how they contribute to Greenville’s operations. Two favorites were meeting Mayor Knox White at the City Manager’s Office and working with Greenville City Clerk Camilla Pitman! Due to these experiences, I now have a much better understanding of the inner workings of local government. I want to thank everyone who played a role in this incredible journey!"

We're excited to celebrate all that Hanaa has learned and contributed during her summer with the and !

✨ RISE Highlight: Kylie and Ben with Greater Good Greenville! ✨This summer, Kylie and Ben have been interning with Great...
08/14/2026

✨ RISE Highlight: Kylie and Ben with Greater Good Greenville! ✨

This summer, Kylie and Ben have been interning with Greater Good Greenville, supporting the organization's mission to strengthen collaboration and community impact across Greenville County. From Kylie creating content that highlights local nonprofits and organizing community events to Ben researching corporate philanthropy and presenting on effective coalition building, they've both gained valuable experience in communications, development, and cross-sector collaboration.

The two also had the chance to represent Greater Good Greenville at the Summer Solstice Intern Event and explore community leadership firsthand through visits to Greenville County Council and the South Carolina State House!

Thank you again to for providing Kylie and Ben with these incredible opportunities. We can't wait to see where their experiences take them next! 💜

✨ RISE Highlight: Anna at United Ministries! ✨⬇️ Hear from Anna about her experience:"I've really enjoyed interning with...
08/12/2026

✨ RISE Highlight: Anna at United Ministries! ✨

⬇️ Hear from Anna about her experience:

"I've really enjoyed interning with United Ministries for the past ten weeks! Being able to work directly within the Greenville community has been eye-opening and has helped me to understand how much policy changes and economic developments impact our neighbors. Speaking with and becoming familiar with the guests at Place of Hope and their stories has been an incredibly special experience and is something that will stay with me for years to come. I have learned so much about caring for others from the people I see both in and out of the office, and I love that every day has brought the possibility of learning something new or helping out with a different project/program. I am so grateful to be a part of the work that has done this summer!"

We're so thankful for Anna's dedication and the impact she's making through the RISE program!

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3300 Poinsett Highway
Greenville, SC
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