ATI Foundation Awards $50,000 Grant to Charleston Tech Week and Gray Matters to Launch “Accelerating Career Readiness” Program
The ATI Foundation has awarded $50,000 to Charleston Tech Week and Gray Matters LLC in support of their new initiative, Accelerating Career Readiness — a collaborative program designed to connect high school and technical college students with real employers, mentors, and hands-on career experiences.
Developed in partnership with Charleston County School District, South Carolina technical colleges, and Charleston County Economic Development, the program offers students the opportunity to gain practical experience through project-based learning, mentorship, and public showcases. The initiative aims to help South Carolina’s next generation of innovators build valuable skills in technology, entrepreneurship, and professional development — preparing them to thrive in a rapidly evolving workforce.
“Accelerating Career Readiness is about giving students a clear line of sight from the classroom to real career pathways,” said Stanfield Gray, founder of Charleston Tech Week, DIG SOUTH, and Gray Matters Consulting. “By connecting young talent to mentors and employers, we’re building the bridge between education and opportunity right here in South Carolina.”
The program will culminate during Charleston Tech Week at DIG SOUTH Tech Summit, where students will present their projects on the Community Demo Stage alongside startup founders before an audience of executives, investors and community members from across the Southeast.
“When students see what’s possible, everything changes,” said Dolly Pelto, Executive Director for the ATI Foundation. “By investing in Accelerating Career Readiness, we’re helping South Carolina’s next generation build not just skills, but confidence, purpose, and pride in the work they’ll do for their communities.”
The ATI Foundation’s investment reflects its ongoing commitment to advancing workforce development and technical education throughout the state of South Carolina.
Recruitment is open now for technical college students enrolled in the South Carolina Technical College System, and high school students enrolled in Charleston County School District.
We are still seeking students to participate and applications are open through December 2.
Email info@digsouth.com with any questions and apply directly here:
Learn more:
Charleston Tech Week – https://www.charlestontechweek.org/
DIG SOUTH – https://digsouth.com | @digsouth
Stanfield Gray – https://stanfieldgray.com | LinkedIn