Washington Group International and Washington Savannah River Company Support New “STEM” Initiative at USC Aiken
August 31 , 2007
Washington Group International and Washington Savannah River Company made a $100,000 gift to the University of South Carolina Aiken to support a new STEM Initiative to encourage education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Through the STEM initiative, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs will provide educational opportunities for a wide range of students from K-12 and higher education on the USC Aiken campus. The programs will also encourage students to enter STEM professions.
“Concerns have been raised about the nation’s ability to maintain its global technological competitive advantage in the future with fewer U.S. students pursuing college degree programs in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,” said Dr. Tom Hallman, chancellor of USC Aiken. “While postsecondary enrollment has increased over the past decade, the proportion of students obtaining degrees in STEM fields has fallen.”
STEM Funds will be awarded based on proposals for programs and initiatives designed to encourage students to enter STEM professions at all levels. “Washington Group International has consistently supported educational initiatives that will help us identify and support the workforce of the future. There will be an ongoing need for more students in scientific disciplines, and we hope this helps encourage those students who are both interested and capable,” said E. Preston Rahe, Jr., President of Washington Group International’s Energy and Environment Business Unit.
“Throughout their history, Washington Group International and Washington Savannah River Company have been outstanding corporate citizens dedicated to improving educational opportunity in our region,” said Dr. Deidre Martin, vice chancellor for University Advancement. “We are thrilled they will be partnering with us in an exciting new initiative on the USC Aiken campus, and we are grateful for their financial support.”
“USC Aiken has always been an excellent partner,” said Leo Sain, President of Washington Savannah River Company. “We have always recognized the quality of their work, and we’re pleased to see that they’re gaining broader recognition for the value of their programs. I think this investment has the potential to provide dividends not only for us, but for the region as well.”
For more information about the STEM initiative at USC Aiken, contact Dr. Deidre Martin at 803.641.3448 or deidrem@usca.edu.
Photo above: (from left to right) Dr. Gary Senn, director of USC Aiken's Ruth Patrick Science Education Center; Dr. Tom Hallman, USCA chancellor; Mr. E. Preston Rahe, Jr., president of Washington Group International’s Energy and Environment Business Unit; and Mr. Leo Sain, president of Washington Savannah River Company
Photo above: A kindergarten class from Aiken Preparatory School pose with representatives from USC Aiken, Washington Group International, and Washington Savannah River Company at the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center
