Today we’d like to introduce you to Corey Dwyer.
Hi Corey, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Corey Dwyer. I’m originally from Sumter South Carolina where I grew up in a low-income society single parent household. Most of my family was involved in the penal system where my mom served 3 years, and my brother served 23 years and 8 months.
I was blessed enough to make it out of Sumter, South Carolina, where I attended Benedict College in Columbia, south carolina. I graduated from Benedict college in 2006, with my Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Child and Family Development. After graduating I worked in Richland School District One as an EMD Teachers Aid and part time as a Program Assistant with Fort Jackson Child Youth and School Services. After working 3 years in the school district (2006-2009), I decided to take a full-time position with Child Youth and School Services where I held positions as a Program Coordinator (2009-2012). I ran the HirED Apprenticeship Program, where we trained and mentored over 200x youth. I later became a Program Director for the different CYS Programs (2012-2021).
From 2021-2024 I decided to take a position within the private sector As a Center Director with private own Child Development Programs, with an intention of serving more of the general public. This experience really showed me just how much youth in society were lacking positive community, basic workforce-preparation and Character Development Skills when it comes to pursuing professional success.
Unfortunately, in 2024 I was laid off by the organization i was working with. During the time out of work I took a leap of faith and invested in my own nonprofit organization focusing on Youth Empowerment. January 2024 I registered “Forward Progression, Mentor Apprenticeship Program, Inc” with the state of South Carolina. On October 21, 2024 We received our official letter of determination as an official 501c3 nonprofit organization in South Carolina.
Since being established as an official nonprofit FPMAP has been able to Offer workforce preparation and Character Development Training to multiple youth groups of children. 45 students committed to our Paid Apprenticeship Program, with 15 different partnering businesses within the area, where they all earned work based learning hours towards their high school graduation. Out of the 45 students, 42 students completed their program requirements (120 worked & 10 workforce-preparation trainings) and earned their $250 cash stipend. In spring 2025 we had 14 high school graduates, where 14/14 students pursued a college career or certificate program.
To better assist Our Society the Forward Progression Apprenticeship Program has made an extra emphasis on providing a workforce preparation and character development transitional training program. This move will allow us to assist more students. The intentions of this move is assisting students in becoming Entrepreneurs and business owners, not just focusing on his workforce-preparation experience.
Our ultimate goal is to create more youth empowerment programs like this across the state of South Carolina, and at some point across the nation.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
This has NOT been a smooth transition, especially with all of the changes and cuts with the federal grant funding. We’ve had to become very creative when fundraising and trying to get Monetary Donations to support programming. A lot of funds to support programming has also come out of personal funds.
Majority of this was being done while unemployed and between jobs.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am CEO and Program coordinatof the. FPMAP. I specialize in building age Appropriate programs that focuses on workforce, preparation and character development training. I have a natural ability to respectfully relate to young people, and providing strategies and solutions for addressing their needs. I’m passionate about assisting all people in reaching their full potential. I am mostly proud of sticking to my commitments and creating a positive program that highlights God’s work within society.
I personally, feel my perspective sets me apart from any motivational speaker, trainer, and/or program coordinator.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up in Sumter, South Carolina. I was always a sports jock. I was always considered a leader as a kid. my family kept me and my cousins In sports as a way of keeping us out of trouble. Was always cool with other people.
Pricing:
- Motivational Speaking: $600-$6,000
- 3- Day-Camp: $2,000-$12,000
- Group Training Session: $600-$6,000
Contact Info:
- Website: www.forwardprogressionMAP.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forwardprogressionmap?igsh=MWlkeWhrMnExeW5nYg==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BcbGDX5sQ/
