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MeadWestvaco Specialty Chemicals Division Awards S. C. Governor's School for Science and Mathematics $2,000 Grant for Scientific Research
May 11, 2009
The South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM) has been awarded a $2,000 grant from MeadWestvaco (MWV) Specialty Chemicals Division, to support funding scientific research opportunities for its students.The Summer Program for Research Interns (SPRI) --- a graduation requirement for GSSM's rising seniors --- is a unique, hands-on educational opportunity and capstone experience. Nearly 70 students spend six weeks in corporate research and development labs, research universities and hospital cancer centers across the state under the direct supervision of established scientists. During the internship, students conduct research on a college graduate level in fields in which they have a specific interest such as cancer research, biomedical experiments or computer science.
"Science and math education is fundamental to the MWV Specialty Chemicals business," said Bob Beckler, president of MWV Specialty Chemicals Division. "MWV is glad to support programs that build a solid science and math foundation to engage and prepare young people for jobs in engineering, chemistry, manufacturing and other industries where these skills are critical."
GSSM, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, serves a high-achieving segment of the state's high school juniors and seniors who are passionate about science, mathematics and technology and who are motivated to increase their knowledge in these subjects. One of only 14 public, residential high schools in the country that specialize in science and mathematics, GSSM's SPRI initiative is just one example of the early college experience available to its students.
"It is critical in education --- particularly in science and math --- that we create an environment for students where what they learn in textbooks is brought to life," said Randy LaCross, GSSM director of outreach and research.
"As South Carolina continues to position itself as an invaluable conduit of scientific research, we are grateful to companies like MeadWestvaco Specialty Chemical Division for supporting our goal of inspiring, challenging and preparing tomorrow's innovators --- today."
With research partnerships that include Clemson University, The Medical University of South Carolina and the University of South Carolina, the average cost for SPRI per student is $3,000 with most students residing in university housing. Since SPRI's inception in 1991, more than 1,500 students from South Carolina have participated.
