GREENWOOD, S.C. — HopeSouth Credit Union said it is investing $84,000 in the Due West Robotics program to support construction of a new Palmetto Innovation and Technology Center and expand opportunities for students in the region.
The $37.1-million HopeSouth Credit Union said the funding will help the robotics program continue providing youth in Abbeville County with access to engineering education, hands-on learning and real-world problem-solving experiences designed to prepare them for future careers and life skills.
“This isn’t about robotics,” Faye Crocker, CEO of HopeSouth Credit Union, said in a statement. “It’s about confidence. It’s about giving students a chance to build something, break it, figure it out, and come back stronger. That’s the kind of experience that sticks—and it’s the kind of investment communities like ours need.”
‘Catalyst for Engagement’
HopeSouth Credit Union said the Due West Robotics program has become a catalyst for student engagement in the area, offering exposure to science, technology, engineering and math through collaborative and practical learning. Students participate in activities ranging from coding and engineering to teamwork and competition, the credit union said.
The credit union said its decision to support the initiative aligns with its mission to expand opportunity in the communities it serves.
“We exist to create opportunity where it doesn’t always exist,” Lee Logan said in a statement released by HopeSouth Credit Union. “Not every student sees a clear path forward. Programs like this help change that. They open doors, shift mindsets, and give kids something to believe in—starting with themselves.”
‘Broader Commitment’
HopeSouth Credit Union said the investment is part of its broader commitment to strengthening communities across Greenwood and Abbeville counties by supporting initiatives that promote education, financial stability and personal growth.
HopeSouth Credit Union said it is a member-owned financial cooperative serving communities across South Carolina and focuses on providing access, guidance and financial solutions to help individuals and families build stronger financial futures.
