USC Palmetto College and USC’s College of Information and Communications formalize AI education partnership
October 10, 2025
iCarolina Labs rebranded as USC Palmetto College AI Innovation Labs
The University of South Carolina Palmetto College and USC’s College of Information and Communications signed an agreement to expand artificial intelligence education and workforce readiness across South Carolina. The signing ceremony took place at the newly rechristened USC Palmetto College AI Innovation Lab at USC Sumter.
The event marked a significant milestone in the statewide AI-4-SC initiative, which aims to bring accessible AI education to underserved communities through a network of innovation labs operated by USC Palmetto College campuses at USC Lancaster, USC Salkehatchie, USC Sumter and USC Union. As part of the occasion, USC Palmetto College announced the relaunch and rebranding of its iCarolina Lab Network as the USC Palmetto College AI Innovation Labs, reflecting a broader mission to advance student preparedness, community learning, and workforce readiness in the field of artificial intelligence.
The newly branded 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, serving military service members, veterans, dependents and Department of Defense personnel.
“This partnership represents a bold step forward in democratizing access to AI education,” said Dr. 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.”
“This partnership with Palmetto College expands our shared commitment to making AI education accessible to all South Carolinians,” said Dr. 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.”
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 everyday life and professional settings.
The College of Information and Communications has led several AI-focused initiatives, including the AI Global Public Opinion Tracker and faculty-led research exploring the societal impact of emerging technologies.
For more information about the USC Palmetto College AI Innovation Labs, visit the associated Palmetto College website.
