Savannah River Nuclear Solutions recently donated $50,000 to honor 118 teachers from the greater Aiken-Augusta area at the annual “SRNS Innovative Teaching Mini Grants” reception held in Aiken, S.C. Since 2009, SRNS has donated over $500,000 to enhance local education through this program.

“The ingenuity, passion and dedication we see expressed within so many of these impressive grant proposals is inspiring,” said Stuart MacVean, SRNS President & CEO. “We’re investing in the goals of these teachers to raise the bar and take education for area students to the next level, and at the same time, interest students in careers at SRS.”

More than 200 grant proposals were submitted by teachers from schools located in the counties of Aiken, Barnwell, Richmond and Columbia.

The program recognizes and supports projects that enhance elementary and middle school science, mathematics and technology programs.

Typically, the grants are used to purchase materials and handson kits such as: FUNdamental Fractions; Limitless Learning in 3-D; Raising Awareness of Our Environment; and Creating Tasty Treats with Math and Science.

“The grants are so very encouraging. This is amazing,” said Kimberly Ray, Special Education Teacher, Merriwether Middle School, North Augusta, S.C. “To have community support from companies like SRNS means so much to me and my students who depend heavily on manipulatives, hands-on objects to help them convert a concept into a real world experience. I got my grant, and I can’t wait to spend it and get it in my class room. I’m extremely grateful to SRNS.”  Educators from all CSRA elementary and middle schools (public and private) are eligible to apply for Mini Grants in the amount of $500, $750 or $1,000.

Funding for the grants is provided through the parent companies of SRNS (Fluor Federal Services, Newport News Nuclear and Honeywell).

“We always look forward to this event,” said Gladys Moore, SRNS Education Outreach.  “Throughout the award ceremony the air is filled with a sense of expectation and excitement.  It’s almost like Christmas morning for them.”

The primary goal of the extensive SRNS education outreach program is to enhance interest in science, mathematics, engineering and technology and to support improvements in education throughout the Central Savannah River Area by using the unique resources available at the site. The SRNS management team believes business, industry, government and the academic community should work together as partners to improve educational opportunities for all students in our region.

“I think it’s really great that SRNS takes into account that students benefit from interactive learning
to increase their level of education and knowledge of the world,” said Cecilia Bryant, English Language Arts Teacher, JET Middle School, Edgefield, S.C. “So giving these teachers the opportunity to request educational tools that they know the students will enjoy means a lot to us.”