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GSSM Awarded Federal Funds for New Readiness Initiative
January 20, 2010
The S.C. Governor's School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM) has been awarded $275,000 in federally appropriated funds to expand its outreach program through the launch of an innovative Readiness Initiative designed to prepare middle schoolers for entrance into GSSM and for careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).Known as the "From Middle School to College" program, the project is a six-year initiative being developed by GSSM's Outreach Department to identify, nurture and support academically talented, low-income middle school students by targeting intensive individual math, science and writing skill development over the course of the program cycle.
This is the first time the federal government has allocated direct funding to GSSM.
"With these funds, the Governor's school can help talented students from low-income backgrounds reach their goals, earn early admission to the Governor's school, and go on to college and a good job," said U.S. Rep. John Spratt, D-S.C. "I was pleased to help secure these funds for this worthy program."
U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C. and U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. also were instrumental in securing the support. The funding was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act (HR 3288) for Fiscal Year 2010, which was signed into law Dec. 16.
Students will be identified for this program in seventh grade and will attend summer enrichment sessions, emphasizing math, science and writing skills each year on GSSM's Hartsville campus. Once they reach the 10th grade participants will earn early admission to GSSM contingent on their satisfactory completion of the program, with college admission and scholarships all but guaranteed.
All GSSM alumni attend college and most receive generous scholarships. The average amount of scholarships offered to the 56 seniors in the class of 2009 was nearly $184,000 each. More than 80 percent of alumni pursue graduate degrees, and most find success in professional disciplines - often in STEM careers.
"Our Congressional delegation has often expressed confidence in GSSM's ability to guide talented young South Carolinians to rewarding careers in science and advanced technology. This allocation represents the first time they have put the power of federal funding behind that belief," said Dr. Murray Brockman, GSSM president.
"This money will enable GSSM to bring solid opportunity to hardworking, yet disadvantaged, young people in our state. We will begin working with them at an early age, alongside their parents and community leaders, to help them make the most of their talents and interests in science and math. We
know that they will benefit, and so will our state."
GSSM, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2008-09, 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 subject areas.
In fact, GSSM expects all of its students to master basic calculus, basic chemistry, basic biology and basic physics, corresponding closely to the coursework required of a first-year science or engineering major at a research university.
With plans to grow the GSSM faculty and student population to more than double its size, the school is working toward implementation of new programs such as an Economics and Finance Institute, a global research initiative and an advanced computer engineering curriculum to prepare students for careers in networking and system administration.
The school is closing in on the final stages of new construction, thanks to funds allocated by the S.C. General Assembly. The additional space will enable GSSM to more than double its 128-member student body, welcoming more of South Carolina's promising scholars. A new Student Activity Center is slated to open in late February, giving students access to the school's first gymnasium and much anticipated Engineering Projects Center. Not far behind, the Academic Center will open in phases through June 2010.
