Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) recently sponsored over 
$18,000 toward Aiken County Public School District’s (ACPSD) Coding Camp, helping expand hands-on  learning opportunities in information technology (IT) and coding for students across the district. 

More than 115 students from 24 elementary and middle schools attended this year’s spring Coding  Camp, held March 30-April 2 at Aiken and Redcliffe elementary schools. 

“The demand for cybersecurity and advanced IT talent grows every single year, and it starts with  inspiring students early,” said Jeff Griffin, SRNS President and Chief Executive Officer. “When students  get hands-on experience with coding and robotics, they begin to see themselves in careers that keep our nation secure and our technologies strong. We’re proud to help expand opportunities that ignite a passion for STEM and ultimately cultivate the skilled workforce our mission depends on.”

SRNS’ sponsorship supplied ACPSD with 20 iPads, two Micro-Bit kits, 18 Ozobot Ari robots, 15 Sphero robots, and Makey Makey kit technology. These tools allow students to bring code to life through robotics, creativity and problem-solving, which are essential skills for future technologists and cyber 
security professionals.  

“As SRNS missions evolve, the need for a highly skilled workforce continues to grow. By supporting programs like Coding Camp, we’re ensuring young learners have access to the tools and experiences that spark curiosity and build confidence. This is how we strengthen our workforce pipeline and continue 
our tradition of serving the region for generations to come,” said Taylor Rice, SRNS Education Outreach Programs Lead.

The ACPSD Coding Camp began during the 2023–2024 school year as an enrichment program serving 60 students. With community partnerships and sponsorships, the program has now tripled in size. 

According to Erica Millwood, Teaching and Learning Coordinator for ACPSD’s Instructional Services Division, support from companies like SRNS has been transformative for the camp.  

“Because of this generous sponsorship, we were able to expand Coding Camp to two locations across the district this spring, easing transportation challenges and allowing more students to participate. We also added an additional grade level with the extra funding. These resources extend beyond Coding Camp and are used throughout the school year through our STEM checkout system. It means so much to know that our efforts are noticed and valued by one of the largest employers in the area and we are extremely thankful for SRNS’ investment in our students and community.”

The iPads, robots, and STEM kits expand access to block‑coding opportunities and allow educators to run simultaneous learning sessions across multiple locations— ensuring students have more ways than ever to explore and enjoy the world of coding.

SRNS has a long-standing commitment to strengthening the local community through education. Since 2008, SRNS has invested approximately $1 million annually in nonprofit initiatives, service organizations, and STEM programs, totaling more than $17 million andimpacting over 600,000 students, educators and community members.