South Carolina Council on Competitiveness (SC Competes), IT-oLogy, and the University of South Carolina (USC) are thrilled to announce a new partnership aimed at inspiring the next generation of innovators through cutting-edge robotics education. Together, the organizations will launch a statewide school tour featuring the “Palmetto Automated Learner” (PAL), SC Competes’ state-of-the-art Boston Dynamics robotic dog, beginning in April 2025.
This initiative will start by bringing hands-on robotics and technology education to 10 schools, grades 6th thru 9th, across South Carolina within the first year. Applications will open for schools from all regions of the state to participate in this exciting program starting on February 10, 2025. Interested schools should submit an application at https://www.sccompetes.org/pal-school-program/.
Through this partnership, IT-oLogy will bring its established robotics and AI curricula to each participating school. Students will have the unique opportunity to interact with PAL and engage in hands-on lessons, fostering not only an interest in coding and robotics, but learning about the diverse career opportunities within the technology and cybersecurity industries. Representatives from USC will join the visits, offering insights into the importance of STEM education and career opportunities through discussions with students who are actively pursuing technology-related careers.
“We are thrilled to partner with IT-oLogy to bring this exciting initiative to schools across South Carolina,” said Susie Shannon, President and CEO of SC Competes. “By combining the ‘cool factor’ of a working, dancing, and interactive robot like PAL with IT-oLogy’s innovative robotics program, we hope to ignite a passion for technology in students and demonstrate the incredible opportunities available in STEM fields.”
“This program is about more than just showcasing technology—it’s about making it accessible and relatable to students,” said Kristy McLean, President of IT-oLogy. “We’re excited to partner with SC Competes and USC to create an engaging experience that will inspire the next generation of tech leaders right here in South Carolina.”
“This partnership exemplifies our commitment to fostering innovation and expanding access to STEM education across South Carolina,” said Stephen Cutler, Vice President for Economic Development at the University of South Carolina. “By engaging students with cutting-edge robotics and hands-on learning, we aim to inspire future leaders and innovators in technology.”
For more information on the program or to submit an application for PAL to visit your school, please visit https://www.sccompetes.org/clusters-initiative/cluster/workforce-innovation/ or contact Kim Christ at kchrist@sccompetes.org.
About SC Competes
South Carolina Council on Competitiveness – “SC Competes” – is a statewide, business-led, nonprofit organization that drives South Carolina’s long-term economic growth by managing the state’s industry clusters and providing the research, network, and resources necessary to thrive.
About IT-oLogy
IT-oLogy is a nonprofit organization focused on advancing technology education and workforce development through programs, partnerships, and initiatives that inspire and educate the next generation of technology talent.
Media Contact:
Adrianne Beasley
Director of Strategy & Communication, SC Competes
(803) 447-9158
abeasley@sccompetes.org
