In a bid to support workforce development and education, Savannah River Mission Completion (SRMC), the liquid waste contractor at the Savannah River Site (SRS), has contributed $5,000 to Augusta Technical College’s (ATC) Adult Education Program scholarship fund.
The donation will assist students who need financial support to take the General Education Diploma (GED) test, according to a press release from SRS.
The GED test serves as a high school equivalency exam, offering individuals an opportunity to advance their education and career prospects. ATC provides both in-person and online GED testing, ensuring accessibility for students seeking to obtain their diploma.
SRMC President and Program Manager Dave Olson emphasized the importance of an educated workforce in sustaining regional economic growth and addressing industry employment needs.
“A skilled and educated workforce alleviates hiring challenges for companies seeking qualified employees,” Olson said. “By helping students complete the GED certification process, we are investing in their futures and the broader economic landscape.”
The ATC Adult Education Program not only supports students in obtaining their GED but also helps prepare them for potential employment opportunities at SRS and other companies in the region, according to a press release from SRS.
Olson also highlighted the challenges adult learners face when returning to the classroom and underscored the value of their perseverance.
“ATC Adult Education Program graduates learn through life experiences that education is the key to success,” Olson said. “Imagine how difficult it must be for an adult to return to the classroom to complete high school.”
Olson said he believes the graduates will be better employees because they have firsthand experience of competing against more qualified candidates who possess a diploma.
ATC President Jermaine Whirl praised SRMC’s ongoing support and recognized the vital role such contributions play in sustaining and expanding educational programs.
“There are always programs and projects that require additional funding and new ones that need to be implemented,” Whirl said. “That is why it is so important for ATC to have the backing of SRMC and the business community.”
SRMC is a partnership led by parent company BWX Technologies, Inc., with partners Amentum and Fluor. The organization is responsible for accelerating the cleanup of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site through safe nuclear operations and mission execution.
Augusta Technical College, part of the Technical College System of Georgia, serves multiple counties—Burke, Columbia, Lincoln, McDuffie, and Richmond—by providing academic and technical education, workforce training, and adult education services. The institution plays a critical role in preparing students for careers in high-demand fields at a competitive financial value.
