USC Salk’s iCarolina Lab encourages the community to ‘Think Big’

Posted

By: Mae Frances Bing

When you walk into the iCarolina Learning Lab located in Peden B. McLeod Library on the USC Salkehatchie campus, the words “Think Big” are prominently displayed on the wall. Thinking big and growing are what the new iCarolina Lab represents. The labs, which utilize Apple technology, are among eight that will open throughout South Carolina and are designed to provide underserved communities with access to high-speed broadband internet and educational programming. The labs were funded thanks to an allocation from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) funds. USC Salkehatchie has an additional iCarolina Learning Lab on its Allendale campus.

“USC Salkehatchie is grateful for the opportunity to serve as the site for two Apple labs that will provide free access to technology and reliable internet in our communities,” said USC Salkehatchie Dean April Cone. “In today’s world, technology is essential for educational success and economic growth. The state’s investment in the iCarolina Learning Lab initiative will have a significant impact in rural South Carolina for years to come.”

The lab is more than just a place to access technology. Workshops and training sessions will be provided to help community members enhance their technology skills.

“USC Salkehatchie is thrilled to be a partner recipient with the Southern Palmetto Regional Chamber of Commerce for a USDA Rural Business Development grant. This opportunity will bolster the partnership between the Chamber’s Palmetto Innovation Lab and USC Salkehatchie’s iCarolina Learning Labs. The grant will allow the Chamber and USC Salkehatchie to offer courses and programming related to small business cultivation and development, business marketing and promotion, and rural economic development. Partnerships and opportunities like these solidify the importance of organizations like USC Salkehatchie and local chambers in our rural communities,” said Jackson Alexander, director of the USC Salkehatchie Leadership institute.

The labs are not yet open to the public, but the university plans to announce the days and times of operation soon. Even with the lab being empty, you can see and feel the innovation that is going to take place for the community and for the students.

The Allendale lab is located in the Library and Academic Support Building, 465 James Brandt Blvd., and the Walterboro lab is housed in the Peden B. McLeod Library, 807 Hampton Street, which is named for the late state senator and longtime supporter of the Salkehatchie community.