DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. - Today, Google hosted a kids robotics event for middle school students from Palmetto Scholars Academy in North Charleston, Woodland Middle School and Charles B. DuBose Middle School, designed to provide them with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in robotics.
Lilyn Hester, Global Community Development and Engagement and AI Lead, welcomed attendees and highlighted the importance of making STEM opportunities available for students, emphasizing Google's dedication to supporting the communities it operates in.
"At Google, we are committed to fostering innovation and learning among the next generation of curious minds," said Hester. "This commitment is tied to our philosophy of giving back to the communities Google calls home, ensuring that our presence enriches the lives of residents through programs like today’s robotics event."
After the welcome, instructors from the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) provided the students with instructions and best practices before they got to work building their own Claw Bots. The goal of the project is to spark a life-long interest in STEM and prepare these students for the jobs of tomorrow.
“Robotics and STEM events don’t just teach students how to build machines, they teach them how to problem solve, collaborate and think critically, " said Dr. Emily Duplantis, Assistant Director of CTE, Dorchester District Two Schools. “These experiences prepare them for a future of innovation and success and we appreciate Google bringing this wonderful event to Dorchester County.”
“Our students love the hands-on experience they get building robots and engaging in STEM challenges,” said Jeffrey Beckwith, Superintendent, Dorchester School District Four. “Thank you to Google for bringing this experience to our students in Dorchester County, we love watching the joy they experienced today.”
Google has proudly called South Carolina home for more than 15 years with data centers in Berkeley and Dorchester Counties, and recently announced a $9 billion dollar investment in the state through 2027 to support Cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, and workforce development programs. In 2024 Google announced plans to grow their footprint in the Lowcountry by establishing two new data center campuses in Dorchester County. Today’s workshop for Dorchester County students is part of their larger commitment to fostering a more digitally skilled future workforce in South Carolina.