Is Your Child Missing Out? Shocking New STEM Program Partnership Could Change Everything!

HARTSVILLE, SC (WMBF) - In an exciting development for students in the Pee Dee region, the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) has partnered with Coker University to expand opportunities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. This partnership aims to strengthen pathways to higher education and foster innovation among young students.

As part of this collaboration, Coker University will offer a $1,000 tuition scholarship for each high school category winner at the upcoming SC Sand Hills Region IV Science and Engineering Fair, which is set to take place on March 13, 2025, at the GSSM campus in Hartsville. The scholarship will be formally named the Coker University Scientific Achievement Award and can be applied toward tuition at Coker University.

The Science and Engineering Fair, which is affiliated with the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), is open to students in grades 5 through 12 from several counties, including Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Lee, Marlboro, and Williamsburg. This initiative not only recognizes academic achievement but also aims to encourage greater participation among high school students, building on the success seen in recent years. In 2024, the fair featured 50 middle school and 13 high school participants from the region.

Dr. Neval Erturk, the executive director for research, global, and innovative initiatives at GSSM, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are committed to expanding STEM access and excellence in our region. Coker University’s partnership not only recognizes student achievement but also opens pathways to higher education. This is a meaningful investment in the future of the Pee Dee’s young innovators.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Susan Henderson, the provost at Coker University, emphasized the importance of the initiative, noting, “This partnership allows Coker University to recognize exceptional student achievement while strengthening STEM pathways from our regional schools to college success.”

The Sand Hills Region IV Science and Engineering Fair not only serves as a competitive platform for students to showcase their original research but also connects them with STEM professionals, potentially advancing them to higher levels of competition through the ISEF network. This partnership and the scholarship represent a significant step forward in enhancing educational opportunities for students in the Pee Dee region, nurturing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators.