Google and Gov. Henry McMaster went to Whitesville Elementary School to deliver the CS First Roadshow, a computer science education presentation developed by Google for 4th-8th grade school students.

Two Google employees delivered the hour-long presentation, which focuses on teaching students both problem solving and technical coding skills through a series of interactive activities. They encouraged kids to develop an interest in computer science education by giving real-life examples of how coding and STEM education can lead to educational opportunities and exciting careers.

McMaster kicked off the presentation by expressing the importance of learning about computer science at an early age, and helped kids build their own fun stories using Scratch, an introductory coding tool.   

“The young people at Whitesville Elementary represent South Carolina’s future workforce, and that workforce must be ready to meet the needs of a high-tech economy and the companies that continue to invest and create jobs in our state,” said McMaster. “I’m grateful for corporate partners like Google that are willing to help us give these students the tools they need to be successful.”

"Kids are exposed to technology at such an early age, but don’t necessarily get to learn about why computer science should be an important part of their lives - both now and in the future," said Alex Sanchez, a Google spokesperson. "We want the next generation of students to be able to create technology, not just consume it."