Over the years, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions Education Outreach programs have grown and evolved into a type of academic “job pipeline” helping to prepare many of the Savannah River Site’s student interns for a potential career working for one of the contractors at SRS.

In a recent survey of 111 responding SRNS interns, 83 percent recall having participated in and possibly been influenced by at least one of nine primary education outreach programs managed by SRNS personnel for students throughout the region. For example, 67 percent of interns surveyed specifically recall involvement in a Science Fair, while 40 percent of interns attended CSRA College Night.

“Education programs at SRS have a proven role in the new employee workforce pipeline,” said Kim
Mitchell, SRNS Education Outreach.  “It’s really all about the continuing efforts to work with area educators and other interested stakeholders to introduce students to many important career paths.  While our focus is on science, math, engineering and technology, exciting students to continue their education and become involved community citizens is also a rewarding goal.”

Examples of popular and often competitive education outreach programs include Science Bowl, Engineering Teach-Ins, Mini Grants, Traveling Science presentations, Introduce a Girl to Engineering, and “STEP” (Science and Technology Enrichment Program).

“These activities helped influence my decision to pursue a career in engineering by showing me how much of a difference a career in STEM fields can benefit society,” said SRNS intern Caroline Schaade, a graduate of North Augusta High School, now studying mechanical engineering at Mississippi State University. “These programs exposed me to the importance of problem solving and team work throughout middle school and high school which ultimately sparked my interest in engineering.”

Amber Swygert, a SRNS Engineering intern, attended Redcliffe Elementary, Jackson Middle School and Silver Bluff High School, and is currently enrolled at the University of South Carolina Aiken pursuing a B.S. degree in their new Industrial Process Engineering program. “Ever since I can remember, I have been interested in anything Math or Science related,” said Swygert. “This interest, along with participation in programs such as local science fairs, field trips to SRS and Introduce a Girl to Engineering day, definitely influenced my decision to pursue engineering as a lifelong career. I’ve always
loved hands-on learning and that is definitely what many of these programs provide for young students.”

The goal of the SRNS internship program is to help bridge the gap between academic study and its application in professional practice. Participation in an internship assignment offers students a glimpse into a professional work environment, while networking with knowledgeable veteran professionals.