Tim Johnson, Char Burgner, and Katie Britton are holding a large check from the Keowee Vineyards Cliffs Residents Outreach.  All are wearing hardhats and standing in front of an unfinished wall .i

PICKENS COUNTY, S.C. — Gateway to Innovation received generous support this week from the Keowee Vineyards Cliffs Residents Outreach as the School District of Pickens County prepares to launch this new learning experience for students.

Char Burgner, KV CRO School District of Pickens County Liaison, visited the Gateway to Innovation site to present a grant check to Tim Johnson, Director of Gateway to Innovation, and Dr. Katie Britton. The funding will help provide resources that support student voice, hands-on Innovation, and makerspace learning experiences for students in grades 3–7.

Gateway to Innovation is designed to give students opportunities to explore creativity, problem-solving, engineering, and career-connected learning through engaging, hands-on experiences. The grant will support student feedback tools, design challenges, and makerspace materials that help students think critically, work collaboratively, and bring ideas to life.

“We are incredibly grateful for this investment in the students of Pickens County,” said Tim Johnson, Director of Gateway to Innovation. “Support from community partners like the Keowee Vineyards Cliffs Residents Outreach helps us create meaningful learning experiences that will impact students for years to come.”

Gateway to Innovation appreciates The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards residents for their continued commitment to education and for helping create opportunities that will inspire future innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders across Pickens County.