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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- University of South Carolina officials say a new partnership between the school, IBM and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina will grow the state's computer technology expertise.

Officials announced the creation of the Consortium for Enterprise Systems Management during a news conference Thursday. Leaders plan to use the partnership to attract and train students in information technology and conduct computer applications research.

University of South Carolina President Harris Pastides says the college will work with high schools and middle schools in the state.

The consortium will be housed on two floors in the University of South Carolina's Innovista research campus. Software will be provided by IBM.

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