The University of South Carolina Palmetto College and College of Information and Communications formalized a new partnership on Oct. 9 to advance artificial intelligence education and workforce readiness across South Carolina.
The agreement was signed during a ceremony at the newly renamed USC Palmetto College AI Innovation Lab at USC Sumter, marking a major milestone in the statewide AI-4-SC initiative. The program aims to bring accessible AI education to underserved communities through a network of innovation labs operated by USC Palmetto College campuses in Lancaster, Salkehatchie, Sumter and Union.
“This partnership represents a bold step forward in democratizing access to AI education,” said Craig Wilson, chancellor of USC Palmetto College. “By leveraging the expertise of CIC and the reach of Palmetto College, we are empowering South Carolinians in every corner of the state to engage with the technologies shaping our future.”
As part of the event, Palmetto College announced the relaunch and rebranding of its iCarolina Lab Network as the USC Palmetto College AI Innovation Labs, reflecting an expanded mission to prepare students, support community learning and strengthen South Carolina’s AI-ready workforce.
The rebranded labs are located in Lancaster, Kershaw, Allendale, Walterboro, Sumter, Union, Laurens and Clinton, with a new lab scheduled to open in November 2025 at Fort Jackson to serve military service members, veterans, dependents and Department of Defense personnel.
The AI-4-SC initiative currently offers two foundational courses — Generative AI for Beginners and Utilizing AI for Your Business — designed to introduce learners to the practical applications of artificial intelligence in daily life and professional settings.
CIC has led several AI-focused efforts, including the AI Global Public Opinion Tracker and faculty research examining how emerging technologies shape communication, media and society.
“This partnership with Palmetto College expands our shared commitment to making AI education accessible to all South Carolinians,” said Tom Reichert, dean of USC’s College of Information and Communications. “By working together, we’re helping people and organizations harness AI to drive growth and innovation statewide.”