The mission of the internship is to provide underrepresented minority students from SC historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and Trident Technical College (TTC) the opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the computer science field through a guided program with the SC-based cyber security and computer science industry. Students learn real world skills and establish mentor-mentee relationships, while industry connects with local talent to meet their long-term workforce demands and help instill a passion for the field.
Via a nine-month virtual mentor relationship, a one-week immersion-style internship, and a Hackathon, the students are provided an opportunity to grow as computer scientists and gain valuable real world experience.
Hack-A-SCHack
The Hack-a-SCHack Hackathon is an exciting hacking competition for SC Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in South Carolina and Trident Technical College students to hone their cyber security and computer science skills. Participants from each college or university create teams to compete in the Capture-the-Flag event to stretch their security muscle and have FUN! After the day long event, the winners are announced and given prizes for their success! Each year, Hack-a-SCHack is hosted by a participating university or college.
We are excited to once again invite South Carolina’s Information Technology and Cybersecurity community to participate in the S.C. Cyber Security–Computer Science Mentorship and Internship Program. The program is sponsored by a grant from the S.C. Department of Commerce. The goal is to create a more diverse and robust talent pipeline benefitting both South Carolina job seekers and job creators.
This project built upon the success of the inaugural 2022 program. A student cohort was brought together to collaborate with industry professionals to gain firsthand insight, hands-on experience, and mentor-mentee relationships with the potential to yield benefits for a lifetime.
National Science and Engineering Alliance (NSEA) was selected to be the independent research firm to evaluate a State of South Carolina Department of Education Innovation Grant FY 23-24. The grant was awarded to Twin City Outreach Mission (TCOM) whose Project Title: Providing the Efficacy of Family Learning for Middle School Literacy Remediation will utilize The Family Learning Company (TFLC) software. TCOM and TLC are collaborating with five school districts to revolutionize family literacy in South Carolina. Together, they spearhead a comprehensive literacy initiative to provide and implement a new approach to family learning. In the end, NSEA will evaluate and publish research on the effectiveness of TFLC’s technology-based family literacy solution for middle school students and their families in the state.
TCOM states. ’ The project’s aim is to address longstanding literacy education challenges and empower families to become active participants in their children’s academic journey. The solution? To develop, evaluate and validate a replicable, scalable model for middle school reading remediation and academic success, particularly tailored to benefit high-need students and their families. TCOM believes The Family Learning Software benefits can make a tangible difference in the lives of countless students and families across South Carolina.
Dr. Deloris Wallace-Brown, esteemed educator and research teacher at Morris College in Sumter, SC, serves as the Principal Investigator for this project. Drawing upon her expertise and experience, Dr. Wallace-Brown and her dedicated team will oversee the collection and analysis of data from 5 participating school districts across South Carolina.
Unlocking the potential of South Carolina’s youth and fostering a culture of lifelong learning within their families is instrumental for future research in family literacy. Education research is essential for informing evidence-based practices, improving student outcomes, and driving innovation in education, particularly in harnessing the potential of technology to transform learning experiences. By investing in rigorous research and collaboration, TCOM looks forward to learning if the utilization of this approach and study can pave the way for a more equitable, engaging, and effective education system for all learners.
The town of Mayesville, South Carolina, has been awarded a USDA Rural Business Development Grant to study and explore economic opportunities for cultural heritage tourism in historic Mayesville, SC; as the birthplace of one of its most distinguished natives Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune (MMB). The grant supports an in-depth feasibility study to determine if the magnetic brand of MMB, an iconic, international historic figure, has the potential to promote an increase interest in Mayesville’s cultural heritage sites and activities. In other words, will proper marketing of the historic significance of an international, iconic brand like MMB for tourism attraction improve the Town of Mayesville’s economy?
The feasibility study, conducted by the National Science & Engineering Alliance, Inc. (NSEA), employs a multi-modality approach to gathering and analyzing data about business development, cultural heritage activities, including STEM education workshops, and other economic trends. Leveraging the name brand recognition of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, the study explores the potential for creating sustainable projects that capitalize on her iconic legacy and the cultural heritage associated with her birthplace. It will provide evidence-based recommendations to determine the feasibility of tourist attractions in the town. The study will fully examine the tourist appeal of a variety of cultural heritage items including other local historic figures, significant landmarks, and educational tours that attract a culturally savvy audience from near and far to Mayesville.
The Town of Mayesville is a vibrant community nestled in the heart of South Carolina with a rich history and a commitment to innovation. Mayesville strives to be a beacon of progress and prosperity for its residents and visitors. Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, born in Mayesville, was an esteemed educator, civil rights leader, founding board member of United Negro College Fund (UNCF), adoring friend to First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, founder of Bethune-Cookman University. Her tireless efforts to promote education and equality continue to inspire generations across the globe.
“NSEA aims to thoroughly explore the tourism potential of the magnetic appeal of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune’s brand to enrich the community through innovative educational, cultural, and tourism initiatives,” stated Dr. Deloris Wallace-Brown, CEO of NSEA. “We look forward to uncovering evidence that will determine the project’s feasibility regarding whether or not the brand will drive economic growth for the Town of Mayesville.”