Christian Families Against Destructive Decisions has launched a $100,000 scholarship initiative to help Spartanburg County teenagers with decision-making and life skills.
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — In response to a rise in youth violence across Spartanburg County, Christian Families Against Destructive Decisions has launched a $100,000 scholarship initiative designed to equip local teenagers with decisionmaking and life skills rooted in faith and family engagement.
The RiseUP 100 Scholarship Challenge will provide 100 full scholarships — valued at $1,000 each — for teens ages 13 to 18 to participate in the organization’s 10-week “Winning with Christ 2.0” program. The scholarships cover tuition, educational materials and participation in a parent-teen kickoff retreat intended to strengthen communication at home.
CFADD founder and president Apostle Tommy E. Quick said the initiative focuses on prevention through positive development rather than reacting after harm occurs.
“We refuse to stand by while our young people fall victim to destructive choices that rob them of their God-given potential,” Quick said. “This is about investing in solutions. When we equip teens with sound decision-making skills and strengthen family bonds, we can impact entire communities.”
The program arrives as local leaders seek strategies to address violence affecting young people. Organizers say research consistently shows that strong family relationships, clear moral frameworks and positive peer connections are key protective factors for adolescents.
The curriculum is divided into two phases. The first five weeks focus on foundation-building topics such as identity and purpose, a structured decision-making model, navigating peer influence, setting healthy boundaries — including digital behavior — and developing emotional awareness. The remaining weeks emphasize practical application, including conflict resolution, substance-risk avoidance, goal setting, leadership development and community service planning. The program concludes with a family celebration and commissioning event.
In addition to teen instruction, RiseUP 100 includes three parallel workshops for parents, reflecting the organization’s emphasis on familywide involvement. Organizers say engaging parents as partners increases the likelihood that lessons learned will be reinforced at home.
The program will be delivered through CFADD’s Family Life Success Center and includes partnerships with local educational institutions, allowing participants to earn potential academic credit. Community leaders, educators and law enforcement officials have expressed support for the effort, citing the need for proactive youth programming.
Applications are now open for the inaugural cohort. Eligible students must be in grades 9-12, live in or attend school in affected areas of Spartanburg County, and complete an application that includes a brief “Why I Choose to Rise Up” essay or video, a community endorsement letter, and a commitment pledge from both the student and a parent or guardian.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis by a selection panel, with decisions typically made within 10 business days. Organizers say character and commitment will weigh more heavily than academic performance.
Space is limited, and officials encourage families to apply promptly.
More information and applications are available at www.cfadd.org/Riseup. CFADD can also be reached at (855) 752-3233 or at its office at 1425 John B. White Blvd., Spartanburg.
Christian Families Against Destructive Decisions is a faith-based organization dedicated to empowering families with the tools and resources needed to make wise, lifegiving decisions.
Through education, community partnerships, and direct family support, CFADD works to prevent destructive choices and promote positive youth development throughout Spartanburg County and beyond.
Founded on the belief that strong families build strong communities, CFADD offers a range of programs and services designed to address the root causes of destructive decision-making while building protective factors that promote resilience and positive outcomes for children and families.
