June 11, 2026
Gateway to Innovation was honored to welcome Clemson University and educational leaders from across South Carolina as part of the 2026 Teaching, Leading, and Learning Exchange.
The Exchange is a two-day professional learning opportunity for PK-12 educators and policymakers to share innovative ideas for improving teaching, leading, and learning in and beyond South Carolina schools. The morning session, hosted by the School District of Pickens County, focused on experiential learning in Finland and SDPC with the theme, Work and Play: Changing the Experience from Finland to South Carolina.
As part of the visit, participants toured the site of the new Gateway to Innovation and learned more about the vision for G2i. The presentation highlighted how best practices from Finland, along with innovative educational models from around the world, helped shape the learning experiences that will be offered to students across Pickens County.
A special part of the presentation included Dr. Raimo Salo, Global Partnerships Manager for the Oulu University Teacher Training School in Finland, who joined virtually to share his perspective and support for the ongoing partnership.
Beginning at an early age, G2i is designed to extend learning beyond traditional classrooms through hands-on, real-world experiences that foster curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and career exploration. These experiences will help connect students to opportunities in their community and beyond as they begin discovering future career pathways.
The School District of Pickens County is grateful for the partnership between SDPC, Clemson University, and the Oulu University Teacher Training School. Through this collaboration, educators continue to learn from one another while working together to create innovative educational experiences for students across Pickens County.