Duke Energy Foundation Supports GSSM’s Virtual Engineering and Outreach Programs
July 27, 2015
COLUMBIA, SC – The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) received a $50,000 investment from the Duke Energy Foundation to support the School’s Accelerate Program as well as its iTEAMS Xtreme summer camp in Florence County.
Accelerate, GSSM’s virtual engineering program, is delivered in 12 school districts across South Carolina to 10th-12th graders. Through Accelerate, students earn as many as 43 college credits toward an engineering degree. The highlights of the program include online, synchronous course delivery; hands-on, project-based Saturday experiences and summer camps; and possible industry internships.
Accelerate is in the final year of its three-year pilot program. Plans are under way to expand the number of students and sites annually.
iTEAMS Xtreme, a day camp, hosted in counties across South Carolina, is geared to inspire rising 7th & 8th graders to pursue careers in the fields of computer science, technology and entrepreneurship through hands-on, team-based projects. This year, thanks to the support of the Duke Energy Foundation and other sponsors, GSSM was able to bring iTEAMS Xtreme to Sneed Middle School in Florence County from July 20-23, 2015.
During iTEAMS Xtreme, students select to participate in one of the following challenges: developing mobile apps using App Inventor, printing 3D models using OpenSCAD, or creating an interactive object using Scratch and the MaKey MaKey invention kit.
“Supporting effective education programs and initiatives that emphasize science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) is a critical focus for Duke Energy,” said Mindy Taylor, district manager for Government and Community Relations with Duke Energy.
“By fostering a growing interest in the STEM fields for students, our communities will continue growing and producing skilled workers who bring new thinking and innovation to our lives,” Taylor said. “These are both exciting offerings for students to get them engaged in science and math.”
“We are so grateful for the Duke Energy Foundation’s support of Accelerate and iTEAMS Xtreme,” said Kim Bowman, CEO, GSSM Foundation and EVP Strategic Direction, GSSM. “Duke Energy is doing what it takes to ensure that all academically motivated students have an opportunity to experience an interactive, engaging early STEM experience that will likely impact their future studies, careers and lives.
If you are interested in learning more about Accelerate or iTEAMS Xtreme, visit www.scgssm.org.
.
About The Duke Energy Foundation
The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to address the needs vital to the health of its communities. Annually, the Foundation funds more than $25 million in charitable grants, with a focus on education, environment, economic and workforce development, and community impact. Duke Energy has long been committed to supporting the communities where its customers and employees live and work, and will continue to build on this legacy.
About The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics
The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM) is a two-year, public, residential high school in Hartsville, SC, specializing in the advanced study of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), with a unique emphasis on economics and entrepreneurship.
GSSM’s residential program can serve as many as 288 high school juniors and seniors annually from across the state. In addition, the school impacts more than 10,000 students and teachers each year through its innovative virtual and outreach programs. Learn more by visiting www.scgssm.org.
