SRS contractor lifts STEM education with funds for nonprofit, teachers
AIKEN, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - Savannah River Nuclear Solutions recently gave a boost to STEM education by donating mini-grants to more than 100 teachers as well as sponsorship money to an Augusta nonprofit that empowers girls of color.
SRNS, management and operations contractor at the Savannah River Site, recently provided $15,000 to global nonprofit Brown Girls Code.
Established in 2018 by Ebony Brown, Brown Girls Code offers coding, cybersecurity, technology, artificial intelligence and robotics opportunities to girls ages 7-18.
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Due to a lack of representation for females and girls of color in the tech industry, Brown was inspired to launch the first location in Augusta.
“I was uncertain about starting a nonprofit, but knew I had an idea that could close many gaps in the industry,” Brown said. “It has quickly evolved into a successful initiative with global impact.”
When the pandemic hit in 2020, the group swiftly adapted its curriculum to include remote learning. The program has since trained more than 1,700 girls across 26 U.S. states and Canada in STEM-related skills.
SRNS funds cover student enrollment fees for the group’s cyber academy and additional facility space.
Mini-grants help teachers
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions recognizes innovative teaching methods each year by contributing thousands of dollars through the Innovative Teaching Mini Grants Program.
This year, 117 educators received their shares of $75,000 at a celebration in Aiken.
Since 2009, SRNS has contributed more than $975,000 to educators in Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Edgefield, Orangeburg, Columbia and Richmond counties.
The funds pay for project materials, hands-on kits and computer programs.
A of 50 Savannah River Site judges selects recipients.
Educators seeking classroom supplies are eligible for $500 grants, while those enhancing STEM curriculums receive grants ranging from $750 to $1,000.
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“SRNS’ is instrumental in nurturing students’ ion for STEM, paving the way for rewarding careers,” said Kristina Istre, A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School educator. “The funding will enable the introduction of an Aquaponics unit in my seventh-grade science class, teaching students how to create aquariums, address food deserts and cultivate soilless plants indoors.”
“Our entire engineering program is funded by SRNS mini-grants,” Greenbrier Middle School educator David Phillips said. “The number of projects and classrooms SRNS has impacted across the Central Savannah River Area is truly remarkable.”
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