Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) recently traveled to Williston, SC, to announce support of Dreams, Imagination & Gift (DIG), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the educational gap between rural and urban communities through equitable STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) education.

SRNS donated $25,000 to support DIG’s most ambitious project yet - the construction of a new, first of its kind facility in the heart of Barnwell County.

“We’ve always believed that the solutions to the challenges facing rural South Carolina are already here within our own communities,” said Steven D.K. Brown, Founder and CEO of DIG. “SRNS, along with our community partners and dedicated staff, prove every day what it means to DIG deep so that no child and no neighborhood is left behind. Big dreams truly can rise from small places.”

This facility will be known as the DIG STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Center and will serve as a beacon of opportunity. “Envision a place where rural youth engage with innovation on a daily basis, providing future engineers, coders and creators with the chance to learn, grow and dream without boundaries. That encapsulates the vision of the DIG STEM Center,” Brown continued.

"At Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, we believe that every student should have the chance to succeed," said Kim Mitchell, SRNS Education Outreach Program Lead. "By investing in this facility, we are not only fundamentally changing the trajectory of young lives but also embracing our desire to provide opportunities for growth and development in rural areas that border the Savannah River Site."

This new hub will be a vital resource for the tri-county region of Allendale, Barnwell and Aiken, rooted in place-based learning, mentorship and community development. The center is more than just classrooms; it’s an investment in the community’s future. It will feature:

• After-school STEMM enrichment for students in grades 1–12

• State-of-the-art tech labs and co-working space to boost innovation and digital equity

• Job training, certifications and workforce development programs to strengthen local economies

• A full-service fitness and recreation facility, to include an indoor basketball court, senior wellness programs and Amateur Athletic Union youth sports

• Community event spaces including a commercial kitchen, coffee shop and venue rentals

This center will empower over 900 families by 2028, with a design that promotes education, wellness and economic opportunity, all under one roof. By investing in this center, SRNS is directly contributing to the launch of South Carolina’s first rural STEMM innovation hub. Since 2013, over 390 students have been engaged annually, culminating in a remarkable 100% high school graduation rate among participants.

Additionally, more than 14 former DIG students have gone on to become working engineers or are actively pursuing STEMM degrees in college.

“The DIG STEM Center is more than just a building, it’s a launchpad for the next generation; at SRNS, we are committed to building the workforce of tomorrow,” said Jeff Griffin, SRNS President and CEO. “Our investment ensures that every young person in our local communities has equal opportunities to access top tier STEMM education.”

To learn more about DIG and the impacts they are making in local communities, visit https://digdp.org/.