Palmetto AI Pathways Brings Hands-On AI Learning to South Carolina Students
By Mendy Lewis, Program Manager at SC Competes
Pilot year reaches 9 schools and over 1,000 students statewide
What happens when students meet a robotic dog and discover that they can help shape the technology behind it?
During the pilot year of Palmetto AI Pathways, students across South Carolina explored that question firsthand. SC Competes, in partnership with IT-oLogy and with support from the University of South Carolina, brought engaging artificial intelligence and robotics experiences directly to 9 schools, reaching over 1,000 students.
The pilot introduced students to Palmetto Automated Learner (PAL), a Boston Dynamics SPOT model robotic dog, through live demonstrations and hands-on lessons designed to make emerging technology approachable. Students explored concepts including coding, robotics design and biomimicry while learning how those skills connect to careers in fields such as cybersecurity, engineering and data science.
IT-oLogy led students through hands-on, table-top robotics coding exercises to help students understand how automated systems like the ones running PAL are built and implemented.
For many students, the experience was more than an introduction to new technology; it was an opportunity to ask questions, test ideas, and see themselves as future problem-solvers in South Carolina’s growing technology economy.
A strong response from schools
Demand for the program was clear from the start. More than 35 schools applied for just 9 available pilot-year visits. That response underscored both the interest in hands-on AI education and the need for more opportunities that connect classroom learning with real-world technology and career pathways.
At each school, Palmetto AI Pathways created an accessible entry point into subjects that can sometimes feel complex or distant. PAL captured students’ attention, while educators and program partners helped turn that excitement into deeper conversations about innovation, collaboration and the wide range of careers influenced by AI and robotics.
Building South Carolina’s future talent
Palmetto AI Pathways reflects a larger commitment to preparing South Carolina’s students for a rapidly changing world of work. Building an AI-ready workforce begins by helping young people develop curiosity, confidence and career awareness early—and by showing them that advanced technology is something they can understand, use and create.
The pilot year’s reach and strong application response demonstrate the opportunity ahead. With continued collaboration and investment, Palmetto AI Pathways can introduce even more students and schools to the technologies shaping South Carolina’s future.
The first year proved that when students have the chance to engage with emerging technology in memorable, hands-on ways, curiosity takes hold—and pathways begin to open.