Yesterday was an unforgettable day at Gateway to Innovation as students helped us kick off the construction phase of G2i.
Thanks to Triangle Construction Company, INC., our general contractor, for hosting an incredible event. Students enjoyed a BBQ lunch and toured the site with Triangle and their contracting partners, getting a firsthand look at the equipment, the progress, and the work happening behind the scenes.
The best part was watching students explore, ask questions, and imagine what this space will become. Moments like today remind us exactly who G2i is being built for. The future is taking shape, and our students are already part of the story.
Thanks to Triangle Construction Company, INC., our general contractor, for hosting an incredible event. Students enjoyed a BBQ lunch and toured the site with Triangle and their contracting partners, getting a firsthand look at the equipment, the progress, and the work happening behind the scenes.
The best part was watching students explore, ask questions, and imagine what this space will become. Moments like today remind us exactly who G2i is being built for. The future is taking shape, and our students are already part of the story.
🌟 Meet Our G2i Teachers 🌟
We are excited to continue highlighting the first four teachers who will welcome the very first students to Gateway to Innovation when doors open in January 2027!
Today’s spotlight is Emily Smith, 6th–7th Grade Instructor at G2i.
Emily has been serving students in the School District of Pickens County since moving to Pickens in 2018. She began her teaching career on Wadmalaw Island in Charleston County and has had the opportunity to teach students in every grade from 2 through 12. In Pickens County, she has taught 5th grade at Ambler Elementary, Business Education at Gettys Middle School, and, most recently, Business Education at Pickens High School.
Emily is excited to join the G2i team next year as the 6th–7th-grade teacher. She is most looking forward to helping students understand why their learning matters and how it connects to real life. At G2i, she plans to design engaging, hands-on activities that show students how classroom learning applies to future careers and life beyond the classroom.
Welcome to Gateway to Innovation, Emily!
We are excited to continue highlighting the first four teachers who will welcome the very first students to Gateway to Innovation when doors open in January 2027!
Today’s spotlight is Emily Smith, 6th–7th Grade Instructor at G2i.
Emily has been serving students in the School District of Pickens County since moving to Pickens in 2018. She began her teaching career on Wadmalaw Island in Charleston County and has had the opportunity to teach students in every grade from 2 through 12. In Pickens County, she has taught 5th grade at Ambler Elementary, Business Education at Gettys Middle School, and, most recently, Business Education at Pickens High School.
Emily is excited to join the G2i team next year as the 6th–7th-grade teacher. She is most looking forward to helping students understand why their learning matters and how it connects to real life. At G2i, she plans to design engaging, hands-on activities that show students how classroom learning applies to future careers and life beyond the classroom.
Welcome to Gateway to Innovation, Emily!
🌟 Meet Our G2i Teachers 🌟
We are excited to continue highlighting the first four teachers who will welcome the very first students to Gateway to Innovation when doors open in January 2027!
Today’s spotlight is Taylor Holden, Elementary Instructor at G2i.
Taylor grew up right here in Pickens County and attended Daniel High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Southern Wesleyan University, a master’s degree in STEAM Education from Clemson University, and an Education Specialist degree in School Leadership from Clemson University. She also holds a Project-Based Learning endorsement from Furman University.
With 9 years of teaching experience across elementary and middle school levels, Taylor is passionate about creating engaging, meaningful learning experiences for students. Outside of the classroom, she loves being a wife and mom, serving her church, and reading in the hammock.
Taylor is most excited about the opportunity to serve both students and teachers in SDPC as the elementary teacher at G2i. She looks forward to sparking curiosity, creativity, and a passion for lifelong learning by helping students explore real-world problems and empowering teachers with engaging, innovative instructional practices.
Welcome to Gateway to Innovation, Taylor!
We are excited to continue highlighting the first four teachers who will welcome the very first students to Gateway to Innovation when doors open in January 2027!
Today’s spotlight is Taylor Holden, Elementary Instructor at G2i.
Taylor grew up right here in Pickens County and attended Daniel High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Southern Wesleyan University, a master’s degree in STEAM Education from Clemson University, and an Education Specialist degree in School Leadership from Clemson University. She also holds a Project-Based Learning endorsement from Furman University.
With 9 years of teaching experience across elementary and middle school levels, Taylor is passionate about creating engaging, meaningful learning experiences for students. Outside of the classroom, she loves being a wife and mom, serving her church, and reading in the hammock.
Taylor is most excited about the opportunity to serve both students and teachers in SDPC as the elementary teacher at G2i. She looks forward to sparking curiosity, creativity, and a passion for lifelong learning by helping students explore real-world problems and empowering teachers with engaging, innovative instructional practices.
Welcome to Gateway to Innovation, Taylor!
🌟 Meet Our G2i Teachers 🌟
This week, we are excited to highlight the first four teachers who will welcome the very first students to Gateway to Innovation when doors open in January 2027!
Our next spotlight is Nicki Johnson, Business Education/Artificial Intelligence Instructor.
Nicki is a Business Education Teacher within the School District of Pickens County who transitioned into education after a rewarding career in both government and private business. With professional experience in marketing, program management, and real estate, she brings a valuable real-world perspective to the classroom. Nicki is known for her forward-thinking approach to technology and Artificial Intelligence, and she is passionate about helping students develop practical skills, critical thinking, and ethical awareness as they prepare for an evolving workforce.
Nicki and her husband, a retired U.S. Marine Corps veteran, have settled in Central, South Carolina, after years of relocating for work and service. Their family has strong ties to the Clemson community, including three Clemson University graduates. They have seven children and two granddaughters and enjoy traveling and spending time with family.
Nicki is most excited about helping students understand AI as a tool for learning, problem-solving, and innovation — not just something to use, but something to think critically about. At G2i, she looks forward to blending business education with AI literacy so students are confident, prepared, and adaptable in a rapidly changing world.
Welcome to Gateway to Innovation, Nicki!
This week, we are excited to highlight the first four teachers who will welcome the very first students to Gateway to Innovation when doors open in January 2027!
Our next spotlight is Nicki Johnson, Business Education/Artificial Intelligence Instructor.
Nicki is a Business Education Teacher within the School District of Pickens County who transitioned into education after a rewarding career in both government and private business. With professional experience in marketing, program management, and real estate, she brings a valuable real-world perspective to the classroom. Nicki is known for her forward-thinking approach to technology and Artificial Intelligence, and she is passionate about helping students develop practical skills, critical thinking, and ethical awareness as they prepare for an evolving workforce.
Nicki and her husband, a retired U.S. Marine Corps veteran, have settled in Central, South Carolina, after years of relocating for work and service. Their family has strong ties to the Clemson community, including three Clemson University graduates. They have seven children and two granddaughters and enjoy traveling and spending time with family.
Nicki is most excited about helping students understand AI as a tool for learning, problem-solving, and innovation — not just something to use, but something to think critically about. At G2i, she looks forward to blending business education with AI literacy so students are confident, prepared, and adaptable in a rapidly changing world.
Welcome to Gateway to Innovation, Nicki!
🌟 Meet Our G2i Teachers 🌟
This week, we are excited to highlight the first four teachers who will welcome the very first students to Gateway to Innovation when doors open in January 2027!
Our first spotlight is Alicia Childers, RN, BSN.
Alicia grew up in Powdersville, South Carolina, and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of South Carolina. With 15 years of nursing experience—primarily in pediatrics—and currently serving as a school nurse for SDPC, Alicia brings a deep passion for student care and learning.
She lives in Dacusville with her husband and two children and enjoys reading, singing at church, spending time with family, and trips to the beach.
Alicia is most excited about helping students discover their passion for healthcare careers and guiding them along meaningful pathways toward their future goals. We are thrilled to have her as part of the G2i team!
Welcome to Gateway to Innovation, Alicia!
This week, we are excited to highlight the first four teachers who will welcome the very first students to Gateway to Innovation when doors open in January 2027!
Our first spotlight is Alicia Childers, RN, BSN.
Alicia grew up in Powdersville, South Carolina, and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of South Carolina. With 15 years of nursing experience—primarily in pediatrics—and currently serving as a school nurse for SDPC, Alicia brings a deep passion for student care and learning.
She lives in Dacusville with her husband and two children and enjoys reading, singing at church, spending time with family, and trips to the beach.
Alicia is most excited about helping students discover their passion for healthcare careers and guiding them along meaningful pathways toward their future goals. We are thrilled to have her as part of the G2i team!
Welcome to Gateway to Innovation, Alicia!
Site work is well underway at G2i during the week of February 9, 2026, as momentum continues to build toward opening in January 2027.
Gateway to Innovation and the Dr. Mendel H. Stewart Campus blanketed in beautiful snow!
Thank you to Mr. Mullinax, PCCTC Digital Art and Design Instructor, for capturing these incredible drone photos. We are grateful for his creativity and for sharing this beautiful moment on campus.
G2i Construction Update - January 12th, 2025
Exciting progress continues at Gateway to Innovation as we move toward our 2027 opening!
Masonry work is actively underway, bringing the vision for G2i to life one step at a time. We’re excited to see this future-focused campus take shape and look forward to sharing more updates soon.
We’re looking for an awesome 6th–7th Grade Teacher to join the Gateway to Innovation team! If you love hands-on learning, creativity, and helping students dive deeper into how the world works, this is the perfect place for you.
G2i opens in January 2027, and we’re building a fun and innovative space where students can explore new ideas, solve real-world problems, and grow their skills in exciting and meaningful ways.
👉 Apply at: pickens.schoolspring.com
👉 Questions? Contact Tim Johnson
📧 timjohnson@pickens.k12.sc.us
📞 864-397-4512
Know someone who would be a great fit? Please share!
G2i opens in January 2027, and we’re building a fun and innovative space where students can explore new ideas, solve real-world problems, and grow their skills in exciting and meaningful ways.
👉 Apply at: pickens.schoolspring.com
👉 Questions? Contact Tim Johnson
📧 timjohnson@pickens.k12.sc.us
📞 864-397-4512
Know someone who would be a great fit? Please share!
Big things are coming to Pickens County!
Gateway to Innovation (G2i) is set to open in January 2027 at the former Pickens Middle School campus, introducing a bold new vision for hands-on learning, career exploration, and real-world skills for students in grades 3–12.
From future-focused CTE pathways to industry partnerships and on-site childcare for SDPC families, G2i is designed to support students, strengthen our workforce, and prepare Pickens County for the future.
Gateway to Innovation is hiring its very first teachers!
As we prepare to open G2i in January 2027, we are excited to announce the first round of instructional positions for our new, future-focused campus. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the culture, programs, and learning experiences from the very beginning.
Now Hiring:
• Health Care Science
• Computer Science/Business Education
• GT & PBL – Elementary
• GT & PBL – Middle
These roles represent just the beginning. Additional positions will be posted throughout the next year as we continue building a team of exceptional educators who believe in hands-on learning, innovation, and preparing students for real-world success.
If you’re ready to help build something transformational for Pickens County, we would love to connect.
Apply at: pickens.schoolspring.com
Questions? Call 864-397-4512 or email timjohnson@pickens.k12.sc.us
Come be a part of G2i—where innovation, opportunity, and student success come together.
As we prepare to open G2i in January 2027, we are excited to announce the first round of instructional positions for our new, future-focused campus. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the culture, programs, and learning experiences from the very beginning.
Now Hiring:
• Health Care Science
• Computer Science/Business Education
• GT & PBL – Elementary
• GT & PBL – Middle
These roles represent just the beginning. Additional positions will be posted throughout the next year as we continue building a team of exceptional educators who believe in hands-on learning, innovation, and preparing students for real-world success.
If you’re ready to help build something transformational for Pickens County, we would love to connect.
Apply at: pickens.schoolspring.com
Questions? Call 864-397-4512 or email timjohnson@pickens.k12.sc.us
Come be a part of G2i—where innovation, opportunity, and student success come together.
