Fellowship program for software developers to launch this fall

The South Carolina Department of Commerce Office of Innovation has partnered with Build Carolina to create a pilot fellowship program designed to prepare new graduates for software development careers. 

Develop Carolina is a six-month program for students who have completed degree or certificate programs in computer science or a software development-related field. Fellows who are chosen to participate in the program will be paired up with a local technology company three days a week, and will continue to learn as a cohort with other fellows the other two days a week. 

“Our goal for Develop Carolina is to ensure both the fellows and participating companies will benefit from this program,” said Lelia King, executive director for Build Carolina. “Fellows will sharpen their technical and non-technical skills, meet with tech community leaders, and collaborate on building a stronger talent base for South Carolina’s tech ecosystem. Companies will be better positioned to welcome talented new developers in a supported environment.” 

“Talent acquisition is one of our biggest struggles in technology,” remarked Kim Christ, Director of SC Tech at the SC Council on Competitiveness. “We are excited to be part of Develop Carolina, to offer another resource to our tech and cyber firms who are looking for experienced, motivated employees; and to inspire computer science and technology students to pursue tech careers in South Carolina.”

“The Develop Carolina partnership between the Council, Commerce, and Build Carolina is a great example of how statewide collaboration can provide real solutions for our state’s industry needs.” said Susie Shannon, President and CEO at the SC Council on Competitiveness. 

The program will accept applicants this fall and host its first cohort of fellows in early 2022. Interested companies and students may fill out an interest form at developcarolina.org. 

According to SC Tech’s 2020 Economic Impact Study, employment in the tech industry in South Carolina has grown to over 180,000 with an $89 billion total economic impact. Since 2000, the state has seen a 245% growth in the number of tech firms now numbering over 2,000. Additionally, the 2019 average salary and wages for tech employees was $78,977, a significant jump from the statewide average wage of $44,986.