Inaugural Educator Industry Academy Launches
Educator Industry Academy Holds First Session in Charleston
The Educator Industry Academy kicked off its inaugural session in Charleston, bringing together 13 educators from various school districts. The program aims to provide educators with firsthand exposure to South Carolina’s leading industries, enhancing their understanding of career pathways available to students. This initiative is designed to foster a deeper connection between classroom learning and real-world applications.
During the session, participants engaged with industry leaders and explored the economic impact of local industries. The Academy’s goal is to equip educators with the knowledge and tools necessary to inspire and guide students towards fulfilling careers in high-demand sectors.
Exploring Industry and Innovation
Inside the First Session's Activities
Exploring Global Connections Through SC Ports
Session One began with an in-depth look at the critical role the South Carolina Ports Authority plays in driving our economy. Participants toured the port, witnessing the logistics process up close — from the movement of goods to the massive operations that connect South Carolina products to markets around the world.
Inside Advanced Manufacturing & Defense
The group then visited Newport News Shipbuilding–Charleston Operations for an overview and tour of the facility. In the afternoon, the Academy worked with Dr. Don Lauer of the Navy Warfare Intelligence Center (NIWC) for a hands-on workshop in 3D printing and design. Educators learned how to change filaments on printers and even produced their own Cali Dragon model using Prusa Slic3r technology.
Supply Chain & Workforce Training in Action
The session concluded with a presentation from SC Logistics, followed by a lively Lemonade Supply Chain activity and a production simulation led by readySC’s economic development training team. These activities gave participants a practical understanding of how supply chains work and how workforce training programs prepare South Carolinians.
Highlights from the Inaugural Session
Meet the Educators
Christine Born
Riverwalk Academy
Kirstin Bullington
Student Innovation Center at R2i2
Nina Dorman
Aiken High
Natasha Fields
Charleston County School of the Arts
Melissa George
Riverwalk Academy
Antoinette Green
North Charleston High School
Stacey Gore
Hartsville High School
Freddie Harrell
Westwood High School
Nikki Honeycutt
Daniel Morgan Technology Center
Ryan Panter
Lexington Technology Center
Robbie Smith
Darlington County Institute of Technology
Emily Todd
Connections Academy
Katy Wiggs
South Carolina Virtual Charter School
Gratitude & What's Next
A True Partnership Effort
This first session would not have been possible without the generous support of the College of Charleston, which provided housing, parking, meals, and classroom space for the cohort. Their hospitality helped create a collaborative environment where educators could focus on learning and networking.
Looking Ahead
With three more sessions scheduled across the state in October, January, and April, the Educator Industry Academy is just getting started. Applications for the 2026 cohort will open in early 2026, offering another group of educators the opportunity to connect classrooms to careers in South Carolina’s thriving manufacturing and logistics industries.