When we talk about building a strong local economy, we can’t overlook one of its most critical elements — preparing the next generation for high-demand careers right here in the Lowcountry. That’s exactly what the Tri-County STEMersion program is doing across Dorchester, Berkeley, and Charleston counties.
And this year, FHI was honored to be a part of it.
What is STEMersion?
STEMersion is a week-long immersive summer program for educators, designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and workforce needs. Hosted by the economic development teams of Dorchester, Berkeley, and Charleston counties — and supported by local school districts and private partners — the program brings teachers and counselors face-to-face with local industries.
This firsthand experience helps educators build curriculum that connects students directly to the promising careers available right in their own community.
FHI’s Role: Sharing a Culture of Continuous Improvement
As part of this year’s program, FHI President & COO Reid Durst had the opportunity to introduce educators to the world of supply chain efficiency, continuous improvement, and data-driven operations. FHI’s team led a hands-on group activity that demonstrated key Lean principles, where participants:
✅ Worked together to transfer balls from one basket to another —
✅ Ensured every team member touched each ball —
✅ Navigated constraints like blindfolded teammates —
✅ And raced to achieve the best results.
While the activity was fun and engaging, it also gave educators a practical look at concepts like standardized work, process flow, and teamwork under pressure — the same fundamentals that drive efficiency in warehouses and distribution centers across the country.
What Continuous Improvement Looks Like in Action
Reid and the FHI team also explored foundational Lean Six Sigma concepts with the group, including:
Kanban & Just-In-Time (JIT) — creating pull systems that reduce waste.
Kaizen events & Gemba walks — empowering teams to solve problems at the source.
5S, Fishbone diagrams & the 5 Why’s — tools to drive safety, quality, and root cause analysis.
The 8 Wastes (Muda) — from waiting and defects to underutilized talent, helping educators see how these apply in any process, not just manufacturing.
Why It Matters to the Tri-County Region
By investing in programs like STEMersion, the region is making sure the next generation of talent is better prepared for high-demand fields like manufacturing, tech, healthcare, and logistics.
When educators understand real-world business needs, they’re better equipped to guide students toward career paths that are thriving right here in Dorchester, Berkeley, and Charleston counties.
It’s a win for students, local employers, and the regional economy as a whole.
Questions & Answers:
What is the Tri-County STEMersion program?
STEMersion is a week-long immersive experience for educators in Dorchester, Berkeley, and Charleston counties. It connects teachers with local industries through site tours, hands-on activities, and discussions that help them build curriculum tied to real workforce needs.
How did FHI participate in STEMersion?
FHI President & COO Reid Durst led educators through a continuous improvement activity and shared insights on Lean practices, data analytics, and efficiency — giving teachers practical tools and ideas to bring back to their classrooms.
Why is this important for local students?
Programs like STEMersion give educators a firsthand look at the skills and careers driving our regional economy. This helps them inspire students to pursue opportunities right here in our community, strengthening the local workforce pipeline.
FHI is proud to support the Tri-County STEMersion program and grateful for the chance to collaborate with so many dedicated educators. By working together, we’re building a stronger, more future-ready Lowcountry.
Want to learn more or see how you can support initiatives like STEMersion?
Visit TriCountySTEMersion.com
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