HopeSouth Credit Union Invests $84,000 in Due West Robotics Program to Power the Next Generation of Problem-Solvers

HopeSouth Credit Union is proud to announce an $84,000 investment in the robotics program at Due West Robotics—a commitment rooted in something bigger than technology: opportunity.

This contribution will directly support the construction of the new Palmetto Innovation and Technology Center. The Due West Robotics program provides opportunities for youth in the area to learn engineering and life skills. The program also gives students access to the kind of real-world problem-solving skills that don’t just prepare them for jobs—but for life.
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“This isn’t about robotics,” said Faye Crocker CEO of HopeSouth Federal Credit Union. “It’s about confidence. It’s about giving students a chance to build something, break it, figure it out, and come back stronger. That’s the kind of experience that sticks—and it’s the kind of investment communities like ours need.”

The Due West robotics program has become a catalyst for student engagement across Abbeville County, offering young people exposure to STEM education in a way that’s tangible, collaborative, and deeply relevant. From coding and engineering to teamwork and competition, students are learning skills that translate far beyond the classroom.
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For HopeSouth, the decision to invest wasn’t complicated.

“We exist to create opportunity where it doesn’t always exist,” said Lee Logan,  “Not every student sees a clear path forward. Programs like this help change that. They open doors, shift mindsets, and give kids something to believe in—starting with themselves.”

This investment is part of HopeSouth’s broader commitment to strengthening the communities it serves across Greenwood and Abbeville counties. By supporting initiatives that expand access to education, financial stability, and personal growth, the credit union continues to live out its mission of helping people move forward—no matter where they’re starting.

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