Posted on March 30, 2021; Updated: March 30, 2021
By Jeff Stensland, [email protected], 803-777-3686
Governor Henry McMaster today awarded $ 6 million in funds from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) to the University of South Carolina, which, in partnership with Benedict College, will establish eight Apple computer labs across the state. The labs will be strategically located for use by local school districts, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), the South Carolina Technical College System and community citizens.
“The pandemic made it very clear that access to the Internet is not a luxury, but a necessity for millions of South Carolinaians,” said McMaster. “The strategic location of these labs will drive South Carolina’s key workforce training efforts, giving our communities and people access to the resources they need to expand participation in our state’s growing economy.”
The collaboration will create a new network of learning labs that will feature Apple products and curricula. The network will include hubs in the BullStreet District of Columbia and Benedict College, along with satellite labs in six of UofSC’s Palmetto College and regional campuses. The campuses at UofSC Palmetto College are all located less than 15 miles from a broadband desert, according to the South Carolina Broadband Map, providing reliable technology and Internet access for these communities.
“As the flagship institution of the state, the University of South Carolina is committed to improving economic and workforce development initiatives across the state,” said UofSC President Bob Caslen. “By providing access to Apple’s coding curriculum and emphasizing creative learning, this partnership is a game changer for our state. The educational and training programs at these learning centers will provide South Carolina residents with relevant skills that are in high demand in today’s economy. We are proud to partner with Governor McMaster, Apple and Benedict College on this mission, investing in underserved communities across the state. ”
“At Apple, we believe that education is the great equalizer and that access to technology is the key to learning and workforce opportunities today,” said Susan Prescott, vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations and Corporate and Educational Marketing from Apple. “We are proud of Apple’s products and curriculum have been selected by the University of South Carolina and Benedict College for their new education labs. Together, we aim to ensure that all Southern Carolinians have the opportunity to learn, code, create and grow in new ways. ”
“We are pleased to partner with the University of South Carolina to expand access to educational technology to communities across the state. Benedict College remains fully committed to reducing the digital divide for underserved communities in our state. This is a tremendous step in the right direction, ”said Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, president of Benedict College.
The campuses will provide space for computer labs, maintenance and utilities. Each site will be available for use by teachers, staff, students and community members on a regular basis, at no cost to the user. Availability of access to the laboratory will be announced in each community, including through each local chamber of commerce and economic development council.
The one-off grants are financed by money received through the Law on Aid, Aid and Economic Security Coronavirus (CARES) approved by Congress and sanctioned by President Trump and allocated directly to each governor. Each state received an allocation to a GEER fund. South Carolina’s stake in GEER funds was $ 48 million.
As the state’s flagship institution, the University of South Carolina is committed to improving economic and workforce development initiatives across the state.
Bob Caslen, president of UofSC
Allocation of GEER funds
Apple computer labs: $ 6 million in total
Operating budget for the Columbia hub: $ 2 million
Operating budget for 7 university laboratories: $ 571,429 each
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Topics: Economic Engagement