Savannah River Mission Completion (SRMC) recently donated $30,000 to two local elementary schools for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.
SRMC, the Savannah River Site liquid water contractor, donated $15,000 to A. Dorothy Hains Elementary School in Augusta and $15,000 to Barnwell Elementary School in Barnwell, S.C., to accelerate their existing STEM programs.
“SRMC invested $15,000 in each school’s STEM programs in 2023 and the results were remarkable,” stated a press release from SRMC. “SRMC decided to make a second $15,000 to each school this year so they could work to reach new heights.”
While A. Dorothy Hains integrated coding and robots into its STEM curriculum, Barnwell expanded its media room with new furnishings and new technology with the first investment.
During recent visits to both schools in September, SRMC President and Program Manager Dave Olson said he saw firsthand how Barnwell and A. Dorothy Hains had elevated their STEM programs, meriting both schools an additional $15,000 this year.
“The improvements were outstanding,” Olson said. “Both STEM programs had grown substantially with new equipment and STEM supplies that significantly enhanced student learning requiring them to work in teams utilizing problem-solving and analytical skills.”
Olson said witnessing the SRMC investment in-person, surrounded by young and gifted fifth graders, reinforced the company’s decision to reinvest in the students.
“I can’t wait to see what they will do with the additional funding,” he said.
A. Dorothy Hains Assistant Superintendent Andrea Roberts said that students are excited to be working together as teams using the STEM materials purchased with SRMC funding.
“They are problem solving and analyzing data in teams using science, technology, engineering, and math,” Roberts said. “Our STEM instructor even requires the students to incorporate current affairs, government, and grammar in their coding exercises.”
Roberts also said the new STEM kits have energized the elementary school’s students and faculty.
Barnwell County Assistant School Superintendent Franklin McCormack said the media team will make beneficial changes using the additional $15,000 donation this year.
“The media team has been a tremendous success” McCormack said. “The media broadcasts of these skilled and talented students have garnered widespread interest from our student body.”
McCormack also said students are submitting leadership job applications to join the BES Broadcast and Journalism Program, allowing the program to expand its capabilities.
