SCC Welcomes USA Rare Earth to Cherokee County

Spartanburg Community College Welcomes USA Rare Earth to Cherokee County

BLACKSBURG, SC — Spartanburg Community College (SCC) joined community, business and government leaders on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, to welcome USA Rare Earth to Cherokee County as the company celebrated the groundbreaking of its new Blacksburg facility.

USA Rare Earth’s approximately $1.2 billion investment is expected to create nearly 500 skilled manufacturing jobs, in addition to hundreds of jobs during construction, bringing new career opportunities and significant economic investment to Cherokee County and the surrounding region.

“USA Rare Earth’s decision to invest in Blacksburg is an extraordinary opportunity for Cherokee County and our entire region,” said Dr. Michael Mikota, President of Spartanburg Community College. “Nearly 500 new skilled manufacturing jobs represent 500 opportunities for individuals and families to build meaningful careers close to home. SCC is proud to welcome USA Rare Earth to our community, and we look forward to working together to ensure our students and residents have the skills and pathways they need to take advantage of the opportunities this investment
will create.”

During the groundbreaking ceremony, USA Rare Earth also recognized Spartanburg Community College and presented Dr. Mikota with a ceremonial check for $250,000 in support of the College, further demonstrating the company’s commitment to investing in the community it
now calls home.

USA Rare Earth considered nearly 300 potential sites across the country before selecting Blacksburg, with the region’s workforce, manufacturing heritage, and strong community welcoming playing an important role in the company’s decision.

The company’s investment also represents an opportunity to strengthen the local talent pipeline as demand grows for workers with advanced manufacturing and technical skills. Through its Cherokee County Campus and workforce development programs, SCC works alongside employers to develop education and training opportunities that respond to industry needs and connect residents with high-demand, long-term careers.

“When critical manufacturing capabilities left the United States, many of the skills needed to support them left too,” said Greg Bowman, Chief Global Policy Officer & Head of External Affairs at USA Rare Earth. “Rebuilding America’s rare earth supply chain means rebuilding that workforce. Our commitment to Spartanburg Community College is an investment in our own future workforce and in creating good careers for people here in Cherokee County and the surrounding region.”

USA Rare Earth has emphasized its intention to become a long-term member of and partner to the Blacksburg and Cherokee County community. For SCC, that commitment creates opportunities to work together to prepare the region’s workforce and help ensure that local residents are positioned to benefit from the jobs and economic growth created by the company’s investment.

The work planned for the Blacksburg facility will also connect Cherokee County to a broader national effort to strengthen America’s rare earth supply chain and restore critical manufacturing capabilities in the United States. Rare earth materials are essential to industries ranging from
automotive manufacturing and electronics to aerospace, defense, and medical technology.

As Cherokee County continues to grow, SCC remains committed to working with business and industry partners to ensure that economic development translates into education, training, and career opportunities for the people and communities it serves.