DIG SOUTH Brings South Carolina Students to the Forefront of AI, Technology, and Innovation

Jul 27

Students are gaining the skills and experiences needed to thrive in South Carolina's growing technology economy through the Accelerating Career Readiness Pilot Program.

As artificial intelligence and emerging technologies continue to reshape every industry, preparing students with the skills and experiences needed to succeed has never been more important. Today's learners are tomorrow's innovators, problem-solvers, and workforce leaders.

The Accelerating Career Readiness (ACR) Pilot Program, led by DIG SOUTH and supported through grant funding from the ATI Foundation and Charleston County Economic Development, connects South Carolina students with the state's growing technology and innovation economy. Over the course of 8 months, the program partnered with Charleston County School District (CCSD) high schools and South Carolina technical colleges to provide students with career-connected learning, industry mentorship, and real-world experiences in artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, software, business, and other emerging technologies.

Stanfield Gray, CEO & Founder of DIG SOUTH, shares the benefits of the ACR Program.

The Accelerating Career Readiness Program prepares students for careers in technology and innovation.

Students participated in monthly mentoring sessions and coaching focused on entrepreneurship, communication, artificial intelligence, problem-solving, career planning, and innovation. This support helped participants build practical workforce skills while connecting classroom learning to real-world career opportunities and South Carolina's expanding technology sector.

Students gained firsthand exposure to South Carolina's innovation economy.

The program culminated at the DIG SOUTH Tech Summit, where students attended one of the Southeast's premier technology conferences. Surrounded by entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and business leaders, participants gained valuable insights into South Carolina's growing innovation economy.

The program created meaningful learning experiences through industry partnerships.

Program Highlights

34 students completed hands-on entrepreneurial training, authentic workplace experiences, and monthly mentoring sessions.
16 industry leaders volunteered as mentors, sharing their expertise and career experiences.
13 students participated in Charleston Tech Week and the DIG SOUTH Tech Summit.
6 students presented their projects live before technology executives, employers, and investors.

“The most exciting part of this program wasn’t just what students learned—it was watching them discover what they’re capable of. Over the course of the program, they built confidence, solved real-world challenges, and presented their ideas on one of the Southeast’s leading technology stages. That’s the kind of experience that can change the trajectory of a student’s future, and we’re proud to partner with the ATI Foundation to make it possible.”

— Stanfield Gray, CEO & Founder, DIG SOUTH Tech Summit & Charleston Tech Week

The success of the ACR Program demonstrates what is possible when philanthropy, education, and industry work together. The ATI Foundation believes it is imperative to invest in programs that prepare students to lead the future, not simply adapt to it. Through partnerships with DIG SOUTH, Charleston County School District, the South Carolina Technical College System, mentors, and community leaders, students gained experiences that prepare them for meaningful careers while strengthening South Carolina's workforce pipeline.

CLICK HERE to read DIG SOUTH's full report about the Accelerating Career Readiness Program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Accelerating Career Readiness (ACR) Pilot Program?

The Accelerating Career Readiness (ACR) Pilot Program connects South Carolina students with career-connected learning, mentorship, and real-world experiences in technology and innovation.

Who leads the ACR Pilot Program?

The program is led by DIG SOUTH and supported through grant funding from the ATI Foundation.

What skills do students develop through the program?

Students build skills in entrepreneurship, communication, artificial intelligence, problem-solving, career planning, innovation, software, and business.

Who participated in the program?

The program partnered with Charleston County School District high schools and South Carolina technical colleges to engage South Carolina students in career-connected learning.