Savannah River Nuclear Solutions announced a $50,000 donation today to the Aiken Technical College Foundation for its Within Reach scholarship, an effort to help ease the financial burden of higher education for Aiken County families.

"Savannah River Nuclear Solutions is pleased to support this important program. These scholarships will directly impact the lives and future careers of high school students who are uncertain about pursuing higher education", said Carol Johnson, SRNS President and CEO.

The scholarship is awarded to recent graduates of the Aiken County Public School District who are attending ATC. Each recipient is awarded $1,000. For the 2015-16 year, the ATC Foundation designated $25,000 for Within Reach scholarships.

Thanks to the generosity of SRNS, the Foundation will be able to increase the number of awards for the 2016-17 year to 50 $1,000 scholarships.

“Savannah River Nuclear Solutions’ lead gift set the stage for the Foundation to raise $50,000 this year and every year thereafter. Their gift sent a strong message to community corporations and individuals who chose to join in making an investment in Aiken Technical College and increase the educational attainment in Aiken County,” said Mary Commons, ATC Foundation Director.

The scholarship was created earlier this year as part of the overall Within Reach Initiative, a partnership between ATC and ACPSD to increase the number of Aiken County residents receiving a postsecondary credential.

Through the partnership, high school students who do not have a plan beyond high school are being connected with a higher education pathway before they graduate. ATC has been engaged with the district through various activities to help students plan for their future.

Aiken County high school seniors may apply for the Within Reach scholarship through March 1.

To be considered for a Within Reach scholarship, applicants must be a 2016 graduating senior from a high school in the ACPSD, have a minimum 2.5 GPA, and demonstrate financial need.

Scholarship applications should be completed at atcf.awardspring.com/prospective/signin. Visit www.atcfoundation.org for a complete list of available scholarships and criteria.