SCCMS  is a convergence of alliances in STEM education forged over the  past decade. Key among these are the former South Carolina Coalition for Science  and Mathematics Education (SCCSME) and SC Leadership and Assistance for  Science Education Reform (SC LASER) a regional site of the National Science  Resources Center's LASER initiative (1997-2003).

SCCSME, was instrumental in developing strong ties with NASA. Through the Linking Leaders initiative business, education and public  policy leaders from South Carolina joined with NASA and the National Alliance of State Science & Mathematics Coalitions (NASSMC)  to establish a common vision for improvement in STEM education and to  engage NASA resources in accomplishing its goals.

SC LASER brought together  BMW, Dupont, Michelin and Progress Energy to impact K-8 science education across the state. With the assistance of the SC Department  of Education and the NSRC, SC LASER developed and implemented Strategic  Planning Institutes directly impacting school districts and Institutions of Higher Education from South Carolina and 11 other states.

SC LASER also developed ties with Clemson  University's Call Me MISTER program and the Southeastern Consortium  of Minorities in Engineering (SECME) to better engage underrepresented  populations in science education reform.