“How can we get more kids involved in robotics?” That vital question, posed by Bob Couch and the group of South Carolina engineers and CEOs of Palmetto Partners in the early 2000s, laid the foundation for the enduring mission of the Palmetto Partners.
For more than two decades, this volunteer-driven organization has passionately championed STEM and robotics programs, recognizing their critical role in preparing students for future careers. In late 2005, the Partners secured a grant of $1.5 million to invest in workforce development and robotics programs, and they continue to demonstrate their commitment by raising a quarter of a million dollars annually to expand access to these vital, hands-on training opportunities across the state. The Partners’ dedication is exemplified by volunteers like Couch, who chairs the initiative and shared that he logs an estimated 200 hours a year volunteering to support this effort.
The shift to focusing on workforce development through these training programs equips students with the problem-solving and creative-thinking skills necessary for success in future careers in STEM. Bob Couch, whose own humble upbringing instilled a belief that “there’s no problem for which there is not a solution,” recognized the need for students to apply what they learn in tangible, engaging ways. This focus led Palmetto Partners to adopt VEX Robotics and expand access to these programs through RECF programs.
The excitement around these programs is palpable! When registration recently opened for the Carolina Countdown – A New Year’s Signature Event, 40 teams from five different states hit the portal within the first hour, demonstrating the immense interest and demand for top-tier, hands-on engineering challenges. The event will be held in Greenville, SC, on December 31, 2025, with finals following in January. The Carolina Countdown is a two-day event starting on New Year’s Eve and ending on New Year’s Day 2026. Qualification matches will pause around midnight for a collective countdown to ring in the New Year. This is the largest robotics event in the southeast and would not be possible without the support of the Palmetto Partners and the tight-knit robotics community in South Carolina.
Through sustained partnerships like the one with the Palmetto Partners and RECF, a robust talent pipeline for the future is being built. Their work is a testament to the belief that every student deserves the chance to develop the in-demand technical, teamwork, and critical thinking skills that will not only secure their own successful careers, but will also contribute to a vibrant and innovative future for all.
