Over 4,700 attendees filled the Augusta Convention Center in search of higher education and career opportunities during the Savannah River Site (SRS) CSRA (Central Savannah River Area) College Night on Sept. 12. Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) awarded scholarships to 15 local high school seniors totaling $15,000.

According to Cindy Hewitt, SRNS Education Outreach Specialist, College Night has served tens of thousands of participants and awarded more than $400,000 in scholarships over the last 30 years.

 “This continues to be a huge night for high school students in our area,” said Hewitt. “College Night is the one night of the year where students can see all their options in one convenient location. Whether it’s higher education, military, or apprenticeships— there is something here for everyone.”

Over 4,700 attendees visited the Augusta Convention Center to meet with hundreds of colleges and universities.

This year, 177 SRS volunteers, seven sponsors, 114 colleges and universities, all branches of military, and many local technical colleges came together for this event. 

“Over the last three years, our school has transported students here to experience this incredible opportunity and to interact with counselors and colleges throughout the Southeast and beyond,” said Gregory Thompson, Principal, South Carolina Governor’s School of Agriculture. “Some of my students are shocked to find what local schools can offer, especially in agriculture.” 

Fox Creek High School senior Elijah Byers accepts a $1,000 scholarship presented by Dawn Haygood, SRNS Director, Office of the President and Corporate Communications at this year’s CSRA College Night.

Elyse Morrow, AR Johnson Magnet School senior, attended College Night with her mother, Karen Morrow, Director of Remediation, Deactivation, and Decommissioning Division for the Department of Energy-Savannah River Operations Office (DOE-SR). 

“I can’t believe they pulled my name,” Elyse Morrow explained after being randomly selected for a $1,000 scholarship. “This is such a blessing, as I look for nuclear engineering opportunities at my favorite universities.”

“It has been heartwarming to see my youngest child experience this and take the lead on her college preparation,” said parent Karen Morrow. “Some students are not aware of all the opportunities available or need extra guidance, so I hope College Night continues to take off and spark interest in students who need it most.”

SRS College Night 2024 Scholarship Winners:

*Awards are pending qualification based on scholarship rules and eligibility requirements.

 Students and parents obtained information on educational opportunities and college admission requirements, participated in seminars on HOPE (Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally) and LIFE (Legislative Incentive for Future Excellence) scholarships, and visited the Career Exploration area to card sort interest inventory and validate their potential career choice. 

In addition, DOE-SR, SRNS, the SRS Apprenticeship School, Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility, Fluor, Savannah River National Laboratory, Savannah River Mission Completion, Centerra, USDA Forest Service, and the SRS Fire Department shared potential career opportunities and mission scopes with attendees.

“This is my second year as a greeter and College/University Representative Volunteer,” said LaQunia Bush, SRNS Site Services Senior Training Specialist. “The SRNS Education Outreach Program plays a vital role in our community by offering these opportunities to young adults. I’m grateful to have been a part of such a positive and impactful event.” 

North Augusta City Administrator Jim Clifford attended College Night with his son, Jimmy, a freshman at Westminster Schools of Augusta in search of military and technical school opportunities.

 “I’m so appreciative of SRNS and the key sponsors for making this a regional event for kids to get a great cluster of schools from across the nation,” said Clifford. “We spoke to SUNY Cortland from New York, Florida Institute of Technology, and local schools in South Carolina. I’m grateful for the opportunity to attend with my son and determine his college prep in high school.”

CSRA College Night volunteers greet local students. Over 177 volunteers participated in this year’s event.   

CSRA College Night is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy-Savannah River Operations Office, SRNS, Centerra-SRS, SRP Federal Credit Union, Aiken County Public School District, Public Education Partners of Aiken County, Richmond County School System, Probe, South Carolina Society for Professional Engineers, iHeart Media Augusta and Bridgestone.

Click here for more information, or contact Hewitt at [email protected].