Data Center Pledges $1M to Spartanburg Schools and STEM

NorthMark Compute and Cloud is investing $1 million in Spartanburg County's future, starting with three education organizations that will each receive $275,000. The company building a new data center on Pine Street announced this week it's launching an ongoing charitable program focused on STEM education and workforce development.

Spartanburg Community College, the Spartanburg Science Center, and the Middle Tyger Education Center are the first recipients. The remaining funds will go to causes chosen by NorthMark employees.

"Spartanburg is not simply where NMC2 is building, it is a community we are proud to be part of," said Chief Operating Officer Mark Johnson. The company plans quarterly donations of $250,000 to $500,000 going forward, making this just the beginning of a long-term commitment.

At the Spartanburg Science Center, the money will fund new tools and facility updates to expand hands-on learning opportunities. Executive Director Amanda Richardson says the investment lets them do more of what they do best: getting kids excited about science through direct experience.

The Middle Tyger Education Center in Duncan will use its share to create engaging learning spaces where young children can discover interests in science, technology, engineering, and math. Executive Director Haley Grau says early childhood education forms the foundation for developing future innovators and problem solvers.

Spartanburg Community College President Michael Mikota praised the partnership as a way to expand opportunity and develop skilled workers. The college sees the investment as supporting students while strengthening the region's economic future.

The Ripple Effect

Beyond writing checks, NorthMark is encouraging employees to contribute time and expertise through volunteer service, mentoring, and STEM outreach. The company is also cleaning up the former Kohler plant site where it's building, turning a brownfield into productive use.

This kind of corporate investment in education creates cycles of opportunity. Today's elementary students exploring science become tomorrow's skilled workers, and those workers help attract more companies willing to invest in the community.

Spartanburg's next generation of scientists and engineers just got powerful new tools to explore their potential.