Magic Johnson launches rural technology centers in SC

[krazeeboi]

The State reports that after having been contacted by the office of SC Commerce Secretary Bob Faith, the Magic Johnson Foundation has committed to providing $200,000 for each rural technology center in the state, which will be located in Eastover, Orangeburg, Greenwood, Lake City, and Bennettsville. The SC Department of Commerce has committed $170,000 for each center's first year through its Rural Crossroads Initiative.

These "community empowerment centers" will provide classes on improving credit, buying a house and starting a business. Kids can learn basic computer skills, take literacy classes and participate in leadership development among other activities.

I think this is something AWESOME for the towns that are getting them, and something much needed in our rural areas. Many times the charitable/community work of celebrities is only directed towards inner-city neighborhoods, but rural areas stand in need of much of the same things as urban communities do. I'm glad that Bob Faith's office took the initiative to contact MJF, and I'm happy that Johnson obliged. The concept in itself is great and I hope that it inspires and educates the citizens in those areas. Just about every area in the state is benefitting for one, except the Lowcountry--but hey, beggars can't be choosey, now can they? LOL

[Jerseyman4]

The State reports that after having been contacted by the office of SC Commerce Secretary Bob Faith, the Magic Johnson Foundation has committed to providing $200,000 for each rural technology center in the state, which will be located in Eastover, Orangeburg, Greenwood, Lake City, and Bennettsville. The SC Department of Commerce has committed $170,000 for each center's first year through its Rural Crossroads Initiative.

This will be one step closer to ending its high unemployment rate in Marlboro County. I think it is the highest in the state!

[krazeeboi]

I know Marlboro, Allendale, and Dillon Counties all have high unemployment rates.

[803metlife]

i heard magic johnson was in columbia that weekend. it was nice to have a basketball celebrity in town for the weekend for a good cause, with the largest center he opened up in s.c. located in Lower Richland