SRMC, the Savannah River Site (SRS) liquid waste contractor, donated $15,000 to A. Dorothy Hains Elementary School in Augusta, Ga., and $15,000 to Barnwell Elementary School in Barnwell, S.C., to accelerate their existing STEM programs.

SRMC invested $15,000 in each school’s STEM programs in 2023 and the results were remarkable. SRMC decided to make a second $15,000 to each school this year so they could work to reach new heights. A. Dorothy Hains integrated coding and robots into its STEM curriculum while Barnwell expanded its media room with new furnishings and new technology with the first investment.

SRMC President and Program Manager Dave Olson said during recent visits to both schools in September that he saw firsthand how both schools had elevated their STEM programs, meriting both schools an additional $15,000 this year.

“The improvements were outstanding,” Olson said. “Both STEM programs had grown substantially with new equipment and STEM supplies that significantly enhanced student learning requiring them to work in teams utilizing problem-solving and analytical skills. Witnessing the SRMC investment in-person, surrounded by these young gifted fifth graders, reinforced our decision to reinvest in them. I can’t wait to see what they will do with the additional funding.”

A. Dorothy Hains Assistant Superintendent Dr. Andrea Roberts said that students are excited to be working together as teams using the STEM materials purchased with SRMC funding. 

“They are problem solving and analyzing data in teams using science, technology, engineering, and math,” Roberts said. “Our STEM instructor even requires the students to incorporate current affairs, government, and grammar in their coding exercises. The new STEM kits have energized our students and faculty.”

Barnwell County Assistant School Superintendent Franklin McCormack said the media team will make beneficial changes using the additional $15,000 donation this year.

“The media team has been a tremendous success” McCormack said. “The media broadcasts of these skilled and talented students have garnered widespread interest from our student body. Students are submitting leadership job applications to join the BES Broadcast and Journalism Program allowing the program to expand its capabilities.” 

SRMC comprises parent company BWX Technologies, Inc. with partners Amentum and Fluor. Its team brings the capabilities necessary to accelerate cleanup at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site through safe nuclear operations, optimized and integrated mission execution, and strong corporate governance.