Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) recently contributed funding to scholarships awarded to six graduating seniors who attended the annual “Power Up Your Future” Career and College Night held at the University of South Carolina Aiken’s (USC Aiken) Convocation Center. Area high school students had the special opportunity to meet with recruiters from over 65 businesses, 48 postsecondary colleges and several military entities.

The planning committee included: South Carolina Department of Commerce, Lower Savannah Regional Education Center, Upper Savannah Regional Education Center, Aiken County Public School District, USC Aiken, Western SC and Lower Savannah Council of Governments Workforce Development Division.

“Representatives from our company were pleased to attend,” said Kim Mitchell, SRNS Education Outreach. “SRNS is the complete package for a soon-to-be graduate,” said Mitchell. “We hope to expose these students to the wide variety of careers offered at the Savannah River Site by bringing representatives from Information Technology (IT), Engineering, Fire/Emergency Management Services (EMS) and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) plutonium program. It is crucial to reach these students while in high school and guide them to a very achievable and rewarding career.”

Career booths showcased opportunities in engineering, management, chemical and nuclear sciences. Representatives from all over the Central Savannah River Area helped students and parents learn about opportunities for enrollment, employment or enlistment. “This event is the World Series of career fairs. It is the culmination of all the college preparedness and career readiness training we do throughout the entire school year,” said Larry Millstead, Aiken Works Lead for Aiken County Public School District. “Everyone in the community truly came together to make this event happen.” E

leventh grade student from Midland Valley High School Silvia Martinez was surprised at the number of options available. “I visited the fair because, as a junior, graduation is approaching very quickly. I needed a plan for my future and found valuable resources to connect me with new colleges and career opportunities,” said Martinez.