Science, technology, engineering, and math may not be your cup of tea, but the CSRA thrives on STEM. Look no further than the economic impact of the Savannah River Site. As ABD has previously reported, the facility delivers an estimated $2.2 billion to the CSRA economy which includes support of almost 16,000 jobs.
USC Aiken will be able to secure more equipment and attract more students in STEM fields with $830,000 in funding from Congressionally Directed Community Project Funds (“CDCPF”). The money will be used for the purchase of engineering and cybersecurity equipment and technology to support the growth of STEM and communication programs, and external partnerships with the Departments of Energy and Defense.
“We’re grateful to U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham for his efforts and advocacy on behalf of the University of South Carolina Aiken and communities across our state,” said USC Aiken Chancellor, Dan Heimmermann. “These dollars will enhance South Carolina’s competitiveness in STEM fields by providing the necessary equipment and professional experiences to make students workforce ready upon graduation.”
Growth of the university’s STEM infrastructure is necessitated by the construction of the Department of Energy’s new $65 million Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative on the USC Aiken campus, along with planned $35 million cybersecurity and readiness facilities in partnership with the South Carolina National Guard, priorities requiring an investment in facilities and in educating the future workforce.
“The university is dedicating new faculty lines and some existing spaces in support,” said USC Aiken Provost, Daren Timmons. “Industry partners have provided much of the existing equipment, but additional equipment is required in order to continue to improve our STEM infrastructure and meet the education and training needs of our students.”
The monies will be used to purchase equipment and technology to outfit a new engineering laboratory in the AMC and existing laboratories at USC Aiken; a new maker space/machine shop in support of the mechanical engineering degree program; and a newly established media learning and research lab.
The funds also will be used to support increased student enrollment and expanded professional experiences for students enrolled in programs including engineering; applied computer science; cybersecurity; game and simulation development; and communication and emerging media.
“A well-educated workforce with the technology and cognitive skills to meet the needs of 21st-century employers is essential to the future of South Carolina,” Timmons said. “This investment will fill a significant equipment need, allowing USC Aiken students to complete their degrees containing significant professional experiences.”
The projects are expected to become operational between 2024-2026.
Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means!
If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.
