More than 6,000 students and parents filled the Augusta Convention Center on Sept. 3 for the Savannah River Site’s (SRS) annual CSRA College Night, where hope, opportunity and life-changing conversations filled every aisle.

Hosted by Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS), the event connected families with more than 120 colleges, universities, technical schools, military branches and professional organizations. Fifteen local high school seniors earned scholarships totaling $15,000. Since 1993, College Night has served more than 176,000 attendees and awarded $415,000 in scholarships, making it one of the Southeast’s premier college recruitment events.

College Night is one of eight education outreach programs (EOP) delivered annually by SRNS, supporting K–12 students and strengthening the region’s future STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) workforce by helping keep local talent in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA).

“CSRA College Night reflects SRNS’ commitment to the students and families of our community,” said Jeff Griffin, SRNS President and Chief Executive Officer. “This event gives students direct access to colleges, training programs, and career pathways, including opportunities at SRS, where thousands have built long-lasting careers for more than 75 years. It’s a place where students can get guidance, make connections and bring home opportunities that support their future and their families.”

The Convention Center buzzed with excitement as families spoke with representatives offering free applications and on‑the‑spot acceptance letters. Attendees visited the Career Exploration Area and SRS Career Lane, featuring seminars on financial aid and literacy, apprenticeship opportunities, and two new workshops dedicated to college application writing and resume preparation.

“Hope is powerful,” said Cindy Hewitt, SRNS EOP Specialist. “Every acceptance letter, every scholarship opportunity and every encouraging conversation reminds students that their goals are achievable. That’s what College Night has always been about, opening doors and helping young people believe in what’s possible.”

With increasing demand for skilled STEM professionals in defense, engineering, cybersecurity and nuclear energy, education outreach is key to sustaining the future workforce of the National Nuclear Security Administration and U.S. Department of Energy.

“I’m ecstatic,” said Aubrihanna Green, a senior at Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School who ran to the stage to accept her $1,000 scholarship from SRNS. “I’m leaning toward attending a private institution in Georgia and planning to pursue anesthesiology. The fact that colleges travel from all over the U.S. to Augusta for us is heartwarming and makes such a meaningful difference in students’ lives. Everyone should attend— you never know, you might win a scholarship just by showing up.”

“Virginia Tech really caught my eye,” said Taylor Rose, South Aiken High School junior. “I’ve been looking into large engineering programs, especially biomedical engineering, and this event was a great opportunity to learn about the admissions process without having to travel to campuses that are far away. It never hurts to explore something new, even if you already have a plan in mind.”

In a recent news release, Dr. Crissie Stapleton, Superintendent for Williston-Elko and Blackville Schools, shared, “Experiences like CSRA College Night help our students connect classroom learning with the opportunities available to them after high school. We want every student to graduate with a clear understanding of the pathways before them and the confidence to pursue the future that is right for them.”

Each year, more than 125 SRS volunteers come together to make College Night possible.

Josiah Valenzuela, SRNS engineer and volunteer, said, “I want every student to feel welcomed and excited from the moment they walk in. College opened doors for me, and I’m proud to support SRS missions that matter to our nation. Helping guide the next generation into STEM is something I care deeply about.”

SRNS continues to strengthen local talent development by connecting students with industry partners, federal agencies and accessible career pathways. The event remains free and open to the public.

Event sponsors include the U.S. Department of Energy-Savannah River, SRNS, SRS Centerra, SRP Federal Credit Union, Aiken County Public School District, Public Education Partners of Aiken County, Bridgestone and iHeart Media Augusta.