Foundation News

Progress Energy Gift to Sustain and Expand Research Opportunities at the Governor's School for Science and Mathematics

May 31, 2007

Thanks to Progress Energy, students at the Governor's School for Science and Mathematics will continue to benefit from hands-on scientific research in a variety of fields critical to our state's future.

A recent gift to the School's Summer Program for Research Interns (SPRI) will help to ensure that students continue to participate in graduate-level research related to alternative energy and conversation as well as nuclear and electrical engineering.

"Progress Energy is proud to support the nationally ranked SC Governor's School for Science and Mathematics," said Emerson Gower, regional vice president. "By supporting and partnering with the Governor's School, we not only are encouraging bright young people to pursue degrees and careers in energy-related fields, but we are increasing their probability of remaining in South Carolina and positively impacting our economy."

A graduation requirement for GSSM students, the Summer Program for Research Interns requires rising seniors to spend six weeks working in university or corporate R&D labs conducting real-world scientific research with professional scientist mentors. Project areas include everything from biomedical engineering to nanotechnology.

"Research is at the heart of everything we do at GSSM," said Dr. Murray Brockman, GSSM president. "And if it weren't for the generosity of companies like Progress Energy, our academically talented students might never know the education and career opportunities available to them right here in the Palmetto state. We are grateful to Progress Energy for their investment and look forward to igniting our students' interests in the fields of engineering, energy and conservation."

Progress Energy is a Fortune 250 diversified energy company serving 13 counties in the northeast region of South Carolina. The Governor's School is a statewide public, residential high school for academically motivated juniors and seniors. The current GSSM student body represents 33 counties.

For more information on the South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics, please contact Jacqulyne Pouncey at the GSSM Foundation.













Back Row (L-R): Joshua Hughes, Kingstree; Luke Rogers, Bennettsville; Todd Eisenberger, Myrtle Beach; Harris Lucius, Florence; Caleb Hughes, Kingstree; and Chavis Stackhouse, Andrews.

 Front Row (L-R): Chloe Moore, Cheraw; Mindy Taylor, Community Relations Manager, Progress Energy; Emerson Gower, Vice President of Progress Energy Carolina's Southern Region; Dr. Murray Brockman, GSSM president; Elizabeth Rasheed, Pawleys Island; and Darby Kirven, Darlington.