Anderson Institute of Technology, Anderson School Districts 3,4,5

Driven by a shortage of qualified employees in the county, Anderson County School Districts 3, 4, and 5 came together to create the Anderson Institute of Technology (AIT). Funded by a 1% penny sales-tax, AIT offers a CTE-based curriculum and capitalizes on the adjacent Tri-County Technical College campus.

A collaboration between the Chamber of Commerce, Tri-County Tech, school district, and local industry leaders developed the programmatic requirements. Third-party data pinpointed the needs of local employers and identified the most in-demand training elements. The programs include health science, information technology, logistics, auto mechanics, welding, machine tool, and mechatronics, among others.

The school’s showroom displays submissions for robotics competitions and exhibitions by industry partners like Michelin, fostering a dynamic and inspiring learning environment. A 320-seat multipurpose room hosts formal and informal gatherings. The facility houses classrooms, offices, $6.5M in equipment, labs and a 6,000 SF automotive bay.

Students from four high schools attend classes and labs at Anderson Institute of Technology. Internships provided by corporate partnerships allow students to gain hands-on experience and a head start in their chosen careers. 

Awarded: Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) SC Chapter, Excellence Honor Award for New Construction

Check out our discussion with Dr. Bob Couch, Director of AIT, on our podcast, IdeaXchange: The Future of K-12 Education.