ICAN: Building South Carolina’s Future Through STEAM
- ICAN GROUP
- Aug 24
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 9
The Need for STEAM in South Carolina
In South Carolina, preparing the next generation for the workforce and civic leadership requires an intentional investment in STEAM education—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. Beyond classroom instruction, STEAM equips young people with transferable skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creative problem-solving. These abilities are foundational not only to careers in science and technology but also to any profession that demands adaptability and innovation.
The economic benefits of STEAM education are undeniable. Students engaged in STEAM pathways are more likely to access high-wage jobs in industries vital to South Carolina’s growth, such as advanced manufacturing, engineering, and information technology. At the same time, exposure to STEAM nurtures leadership, resilience, and curiosity, preparing youth for both higher education and lifelong learning. With South Carolina’s ongoing push to attract investment and talent, developing a skilled workforce through STEAM is essential for the state’s economic competitiveness and community advancement.
Yet access to STEAM opportunities remains unequal. South Carolina students rank among the lowest nationally in science proficiency, and underrepresented minority students encounter disproportionate barriers in pursuing STEAM careers. They face lower grades, higher attrition rates, and fewer job placements even after graduation. For students in rural or low-income areas, opportunities for early exposure to STEAM are especially limited. These disparities reinforce cycles of poverty and limit the state’s overall progress. Representation plays a critical role: when young learners see educators and professionals who reflect their backgrounds, they are more likely to envision themselves in these fields and pursue related opportunities.
Programs such as the SC HBCU STEM Program, STEM Education Month, and the Governor’s School for the Arts & Humanities are working to close these gaps. The ICAN Innovation Center enters this space as both a complement to those efforts and a bold new model, designed to make STEAM education accessible, engaging, and transformative for South Carolina youth.
The Vision of Bishop Eric Warren Davis
At the heart of the ICAN Innovation Center is the vision of Bishop Eric Warren Davis, a pioneering faith leader, businessman, engineer, and author with over three decades of service and leadership. Davis began his professional career as an engineer at Westinghouse Headquarters in Orlando, FL, and later served as Central Florida President of the National Society of Black Engineers Alumni Chapter. His path has woven together technical excellence, community advocacy, and creative storytelling.
Davis is the founder of E.D. Legacy, LLC, Legacy Films, Irly Bird Kids (IBK), and Compass Animation Studios, ventures that reflect his belief in “edutainment”—the use of song, dance, music, and live performance to teach complex topics such as STEM, social-emotional learning, and safety. Through IBK, Davis established educational contracts with Richland One and Richland Two school districts, bringing live stage shows and experiential learning to thousands of students. His work has been recognized by Dominion Energy, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, and the South Carolina Senate General Assembly.
Davis’ creativity also extends to film. In 2020, he wrote, produced, and acted in Negative Exposure, filmed entirely in Columbia, SC, which earned international recognition. He later co-starred in The Lady Makers alongside award-winning actress Jasmine Guy. These achievements represent more than personal milestones—they illustrate his belief that storytelling, technology, and innovation must intersect to inspire the next generation.
The ICAN Innovation Center is the culmination of these combined works—a physical space where Davis’ lifelong mission of advocacy, creativity, and education is realized.
The ICAN Innovation Center
Located at 131 Diamond Lane in Columbia’s Broad River District, the 25,000-square-foot ICAN Innovation Center is scheduled for completion on September 10, 2025. Designed as a hub for creativity, technology, and community development, the Center offers state-of-the-art facilities that merge experiential learning with cutting-edge resources. Highlights include:
Core STEM Programs
After-School STEM Labs (K–8) – Hands-on learning that reinforces school-day instruction.
Weekend Workshops – Short, high-impact sessions for skill-building and exploration.
Summer STEM Camps – Immersive, project-based learning during summer break.
Family STEM Nights – Fun, collaborative evenings where families engage in STEM together.
Manufacturing Career Exploration – Direct exposure to real-world career paths in advanced manufacturing.
Specialized Learning Tracks
Robotics & Automation – Building and programming machines for real-world challenges.
Coding & App Development – Creating digital solutions with modern programming tools.
Healthcare Tech Innovation – Exploring medical technology and future health careers.
Environmental Science – Addressing sustainability and climate through STEM.
Aerospace Engineering – Designing, testing, and imagining flight and space exploration.
Through these resources, ICAN provides more than technical training—it delivers real-world learning opportunities that prepare young people for careers, entrepreneurship, and leadership. By partnering with local schools, businesses, and organizations, ICAN bridges opportunity gaps and ensures that the benefits of STEAM reach underserved communities.
Building Together: Youth as Co-Creators
Over the summer, ICAN partnered with Young Men United (YMU) and our Executive Internship Program to launch a powerful mentorship initiative. Students from across the Midlands played a direct role in the development of the Center, gaining real-world experience that went far beyond the classroom.
Guided by the WOG Community Development Corporation executive team—including Wilnide Dugger, Ezra Davis, and Elias Davis—under the leadership of Executive Director Robert T. Reese, these young leaders immersed themselves in executive decision-making, financial literacy, marketing, and even hands-on construction support.
Their contributions not only advanced the creation of the Center, but also built their confidence, leadership skills, and sense of ownership in shaping Columbia’s future.
A few of their stories:
Gabrielle Shaw (23) – A teacher aiming to become a middle school math educator, Gabrielle contributed to curriculum development and EverBlock design.
Christian Gibbs (17) – An aspiring architectural engineer, Christian designed suites using 3D schematic software.
Anthony Edmunds Jr. (18) – With a talent for finance and a love for art, Anthony helped with marketing and branding for ICAN’s STEM Expo.
Bianca Etienne (22) – With a background in environmental health sciences, Bianca worked in the Health Lab and EverBlock Lounge while pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse anesthetist.
Nailah Outing (21) – An environmental science student, Nailah focused on sustainability in the Energy, Motion, and Force Simulation Lab.
Isaiah Boatman (15) School/Grade: A sophomore at River Bluff High School, Isaiah contributed to the Curriculum Team with a focus on VR and gaming. His aspirations include becoming a band director and later pursuing a career in human resources.
These students—and many more—are proof that ICAN is not just for the youth but built with them. Their contributions represent the future of South Carolina: diverse, determined, and innovative.
Looking Ahead
The ICAN Innovation Center is more than a building—it is a movement. By combining Bishop Davis’ legacy of leadership and creativity with the energy and vision of South Carolina’s youth, ICAN is poised to redefine what education, entrepreneurship, and community development can look like in the 21st century.
STEAM learning is not a luxury; it is the foundation of South Carolina’s future. Through ICAN, students who might otherwise be left behind gain the tools, mentors, and opportunities they need to succeed. By equipping the next generation with both knowledge and imagination, ICAN is ensuring that Columbia—and South Carolina as a whole—remains a place where innovation thrives and communities prosper.
Today I witnessed the future of education at the Ican Innovation Center. WOW!
Grant