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Fujikura Foundation Awards S. C. Governor's School for Science and Mathematics Grant for Scientific Research
May 14, 2009
The South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM) has been awarded a $6,000 grant from Fujikura Foundation, a philanthropic arm of Alcoa Fujikura Ltd. (AFL) Telecommunications, to fund scientific research internships for two of 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.
"Educating today's students for tomorrow is essential to building stronger communities and a knowledge-based economy," said Corie Culp, community relations manager for AFL Telecommunications. "A focused education in science and math is an instrumental part of that growth."
"This grant will support students from the Upstate as a part of a greater learning experience that will help launch them toward their future endeavors. We are grateful for the Governor's School for Science and Mathematics and applaud their efforts to enrich our leaders of tomorrow."
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 increasingly clear, as our state positions itself as a leader in fields such as alternative fuel and nanotechnology research, that the unique, on-the-frontlines experience we give students is absolutely crucial to preparing them for the ever-evolving scientific landscape," said Dr. Murray Brockman, GSSM president.
"Thanks to the support and generosity we receive for SPRI from progressive companies like AFL Telecommunications, we can continue our quest to inspire the minds of the young scientists and engineers who will no doubt one day be innovative leaders in the global research community."
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.
