Google brings hands-on robotics education to 3 South Carolina schools

Google hosted a hands-on robotics event for middle school students in South Carolina’s Lowcountry region, bringing together pupils from three local schools to build Claw Bots with professional instructors. The initiative reflects Google’s broader commitment to STEM education in the region, where the tech giant has maintained a significant presence through data centers and recently invested $9 billion in cloud and AI infrastructure.

What you should know: Students from Palmetto Scholars Academy, Woodland Middle School, and Charles B. DuBose Middle School participated in the Friday event, working directly with Robotics Education & Competition Foundation instructors.

• The hands-on experience allowed middle schoolers to construct their own Claw Bots while learning fundamental robotics principles.
• The event emphasized STEM activities as a pathway to developing lifelong passion for science and technology fields.

Why this matters: The robotics workshop serves a dual purpose of inspiring young minds while strengthening Google’s community ties in a region critical to its infrastructure investments.

• Google has operated data centers in both Berkeley and Dorchester counties for the past 15 years, establishing deep roots in South Carolina’s technology landscape.
• The company’s recent $9 billion investment in the state specifically targets cloud and AI infrastructure expansion.

What they’re saying: Local education leaders highlighted the broader benefits of robotics programs beyond technical skills development.

• “Robotics and STEM events don’t just teach students how to build machines, they teach them how to problem solve, collaborate and think critically,” said Dr. Emily Duplantis, Assistant Director of Career and Technical Education for Dorchester District Two Schools.
• “These experiences prepare them for a future of innovation and success, and we appreciate Google bringing this wonderful event to Dorchester County.”