Potential economic impact of professional licensures for lawfully present workforce to be unveiled at March 25 event

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A report authored by Clemson University researchers that explores the economic impact of allowing lawfully present workers to receive occupational and professional licenses in various sectors will be unveiled to the public on March 25 in Greenville. Co-hosted by Hispanic Alliance and Ten at the Top, the Allied4Work event will also include an overview of S.C. House Bill 3288 and a panel discussion on the opportunities and challenges for the lawfully present workforce in South Carolina.

“The community of lawfully present immigrants is a rapidly growing portion of the Upstate’s workforce. We look forward to a productive, data-driven discussion on strategies that will enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in our ten-county region and the state as a whole,” said Dean Hybl, executive director of Ten at the Top.

“Our goal is to shine a light on opportunities to engage the Hispanic population, and other lawfully present members of the workforce, in building prosperous communities for everyone across the state,” said Adela Mendoza, executive director of Hispanic Alliance. “We invite people from all industries, backgrounds and cultures to join us in dialogue and collaboration to build bridges towards equitable policies and a thriving future for all South Carolinians.”

Date and Time
● Monday, March 25, 2024
● 8:15 a.m. Doors open
● 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Event

Location
Clemson ONE Center, 1 North Main Street, Greenville, S.C. 29601
Registration
The event is free and open to the public. Register online at: hispanicalliancesc.org/allied.

Speakers
● State Representative Neal Collins (R – Pickens)
● Brandy Amidon, mayor of Travelers Rest
● Nina Cano Richards, attorney and co-founder, Spanglish Consulting
● Scott Cochran, president, Spartanburg Methodist College
● Jason Zacher (panel moderator), president and founder, Bridge Public Strategy Group

Fast Facts
● Seventeen percent of South Carolina’s workforce is currently employed in a licensed field.
● There are at least 5,500 individuals in South Carolina with approval and authorization from federal authorities to be employed who are barred by state law from obtaining licensure to work in fields such as real estate, nursing and education.
● According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, South Carolina ranks 4th among states by 2030 with a nursing shortage.
● According to the Center for Educator Recruitment Retention and Advancement (CERRA), the teacher shortage in South Carolina was at an all-time high at the start of the 2023-2024 school year with more than 1,600 vacancies.
● S.C. House Bill 3288 is a one-sentence bill to allow people who have current and valid employment authorizations approved by federal immigration authorities to be eligible for occupational or professional licensure if all other applicable requirements are met.

About Hispanic Alliance
The Hispanic Alliance is the largest convener of ideas, individuals, and institutions collaborating to advance Hispanic communities across South Carolina. With the mission of fostering collaboration and connectivity among people, resources, and cultures to build thriving communities, the Hispanic Alliance envisions a vibrant and inclusive community where everyone has access to opportunities for success and prosperity. The Hispanic Alliance is a nonpartisan organization that faithfully advocates for diversity, equality, acceptance, understanding, and embracing the American dream. For more information, visit HispanicAllianceSC.com.

About Ten at the Top
Comprised of public, private, and civic leaders from across the ten-county Upstate South Carolina Region, Ten at the Top was created to connect and encourage regional collaboration through data-driven research and regular convening of leaders and citizens to address key issues facing the region. Ten at the Top works with regional partners to foster collaboration and strategic planning to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life for Upstate residents both today and as the region continues to grow. For more information, visit www.tenatthetop.org.