Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) recently participated in the first Nuclear and Education Connections event to help area educators and school administrators guide students to career paths in the nuclear industry, which are often made financially feasible through grants. During the day, careers at the Savannah River Site (SRS) were emphasized, as well. Multiple speakers participated on discussion panels representing the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) and three of its largest contractors, Battelle Savannah River Alliance (BSRA), Savannah River Mission Completion and Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS).

Representatives from the Savannah River Site Community Reuse Organization (SRSCRO), SouthernCarolina Alliance and both current and former students explained the benefits of the Workforce Opportunities in Regional Careers (WORC) grants. “I think it’s really important for the community in general, especially people at the schools, to see the different career paths available at the Savannah River Site,” said Mike Violette, SRNS Manager, Site Services Electrical Shops.

“Many people living throughout the area are unaware of all the nuclear missions and related jobs that can be obtained here.” Violette added that, after achieving a two-year degree, people often earn a higher income than if they worked in many four-year degree fields. “And, you don’t have a whole lot of financial aid debt,” he said. Brooke Stagich, Savannah River National Laboratory Senior Scientist, added that she greatly appreciated how conference speakers highlighted the types of degrees.

“I’m a big advocate for people to get technical degrees. I think technical degrees are often ignored or advice is given to instead pursue four-year degrees. But the truth is, we need people to perform those very important technical jobs. The Nuclear and Education Connections program strongly supports the pursuit of technical degrees helping people to see their value,” she said. “I’ve talked to many students from many schools, and they’ve never seen a grant program that’s specific to local universities,” she said. “WORC grants support students who may not have the opportunity to go to, or pay for, big schools. So, I think WORC is a unique and very collaborative program, and it’s been a privilege to be a part of it.”

Six area educational institutions offer WORC scholarships, in varying amounts. The scholarships focus on programs that align with long-term workforce needs to support DOE nuclear programs.