The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce a $180,000 investment from the ATI Foundation to fuel the development of a Regional Education Blueprint, advancing the Chamber’s efforts to build a skilled workforce through its People First strategy.

This effort will focus on creating a more coordinated, inclusive and data-driven workforce system across the Charleston region. The Regional Education Blueprint will serve as a strategic framework to align workforce skills and career preparation with the region’s most critical industry needs, ensuring businesses have the qualified workforce they require to succeed.

The ATI Foundation, established in 2024 by longtime Chamber supporter Advanced Technology International (ATI), selected this initiative as its first major regional investment, underscoring a shared commitment to strengthening the future of Charleston’s economy.

“We are deeply grateful to the ATI Foundation for investing in this important work,” said Kevin T. Sheilley, President and CEO of the Charleston Metro Chamber. “The creation of the Regional Education Blueprint will allow us to better align education, business and community efforts, ensuring we are preparing our future workforce for the opportunities ahead and securing long-term economic growth for our region.”

“The ATI Foundation is proud to support this vital initiative,” said Dolly Pelto, Executive Director of the ATI Foundation. “By investing in this Blueprint, we are investing in the future of Charleston’s workforce and economy. We believe that collaboration and a shared vision are key to building strong, sustainable communities—and this project is an important step in that direction.”

The development of the Regional Education Blueprint will be a collaborative effort, bringing together school districts, higher education institutions, economic development groups, employers and community partners. Built through a phased, stakeholder-driven process, the Blueprint will reflect the region’s shared vision for workforce readiness. It will focus on strengthening educator-employer networks, raising awareness of career pathways and expanding career-connected learning opportunities — laying the foundation for a future-ready talent pipeline across the Charleston region.

This investment strengthens the Charleston Metro Chamber’s work to build a competitive region where individuals have greater opportunities and businesses can thrive.

Learn more about the Charleston Metro Chamber’s People First strategy at ShapeTheLegacy.org.