South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV), in collaboration with South Carolina-based edtech company Skillionaire Games by skillsgapp, hosted a student-focused celebration today to recognize the top performers in the SC Skillionaires workforce game series. The “Crown Your Calling” event, held in Columbia, honored student game leaders with special recognition from South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and highlighted SCETV’s commitment to workforce readiness and education through innovative media.
The SC Skillionaires initiative officially launched in March 2025, introducing South Carolina students to career paths in high-demand industries through four free-to-play career video games: Healing Agent (healthcare), Maker Mojo (advanced manufacturing), Cyber Watchdog (cybersecurity/IT) and Rad Lab (life sciences). Created in partnership with skillsgapp, the initiative connects students with local workforce opportunities and corresponding pathways while helping educators and industry stakeholders engage a new generation of talent.
Four outstanding students were recognized for their excellence in one of the SC Skillionaire game tracks. The 2025 SC Skillionaire student winners are:
- Raylen Bishop, Mayo High School for Math, Science and Technology (Darlington County) – Maker Mojo (Advanced Manufacturing)
- Demetrius Bennett, Orangeburg High School for Health Professions (Orangeburg County) – Healing Agent (Healthcare)
- Audrey Satterfield, Computer Science college student, Spartanburg – Cyber Watchdog (Cybersecurity/IT)
- Kierra Robinson, Woodland High School (Dorchester County) – Rad Lab (Life Sciences)
Each student received a trophy, VIP industry experience and was recognized by Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette alongside SCETV leadership, workforce sponsors and their families.
The “Crown Your Calling” challenge has reached over 2,000 student players, with an average player age of 16. Of the 32 participating counties, the top include Orangeburg, Greenville, Richland, Abbeville and Kershaw—reflecting broad appeal across the state. Since March 2025, the SC Skillionaires initiative has onboarded 34 schools and districts, including Chesterfield County, Florence 1, Richland 2, Pickens County, SC Virtual Charter School and Hilton Head Christian Academy.
The initiative has sparked interest statewide through both digital channels and local outreach. Events and game demonstrations were held in locations such as Berea, North Charleston and Orangeburg. The program has engaged workforce partners such as SC Power Team, NIWC Atlantic, MUSC, Starbucks, Bubble Paper, SHL Medical and Oshkosh Defense, while also working closely with educational institutions including Clemson University, the College of Charleston and Greenville Technical College.
SC Skillionaires games underscores SCETV’s ongoing efforts to provide educational resources around workforce development to help prepare South Carolina’s future workforce for success.
SC Skillionaires games are available on the SCETV website and as free downloads from the App Store and Google Play. For more information or to explore workforce-based lesson plans and Kahoot! quizzes, visit KnowItAll.org or skillionairegames.com.
QUOTES
“This is more than just a celebration of student winners— it’s a milestone in our journey to equip young South Carolinians with the tools to explore meaningful careers. By meeting students where they are— on their phones and devices— we are opening doors to opportunity in industries that power our state’s economy.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
“This initiative represents a true convergence of education, innovation and workforce development. By creating spaces where students can learn, play and envision their future careers, we’re not only supporting academic growth—we’re investing in South Carolina’s future economy. The data shows these games are more than engaging; they’re transformative.” –SCETV Chief Learning Officer Dr. Salandra Bowman
“These games are more than just fun. They’re targeted, data-backed tools that raise career awareness and connect students with real employers and education options right here in South Carolina.” –skillsgapp CEO and founding partner Tina Zwolinski
FAST FACTS
- SCETV and Skillionaire Games hosted a student-focused celebration to recognize the top performers in the SC Skillionaires workforce game series.
- Each student received a trophy and was recognized by Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette alongside SCETV leadership, workforce sponsors and their families.
- The SC Skillionaires initiative officially launched in March 2025, introducing South Carolina students to career paths in high-demand industries through four free-to-play career video games: Healing Agent (healthcare), Maker Mojo (advanced manufacturing), Cyber Watchdog (cybersecurity/IT) and Rad Lab (life sciences).
- The “Crown Your Calling” challenge has engaged over 2,000 student players, with an average player age of 16.
- SC Skillionaires games are available on the SCETV website and as free downloads from the App Store and Google Play. For more information or to explore workforce-based lesson plans and Kahoot! quizzes, visit KnowItAll.org or skillionairegames.com.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Downing of a Flag and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
