GSSM, Coker University Partner to Expand STEM Opportunities Through Regional Science and Engineering Fair

HARTSVILLE, S.C. (Dec. 23, 2025) ─ The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) has announced a new partnership with Coker University to expand STEM opportunities and strengthen pathways to higher education for students across the Pee Dee region.

Beginning this year, Coker University will fund a $1,000 tuition scholarship for each high school category winner at the SC Sand Hills Region IV Science and Engineering Fair. The scholarship will be formally named the Coker University Scientific Achievement Award and may be applied toward tuition at Coker University.

The SC Sand Hills Region IV Science and Engineering Fair is an International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)-affiliated competition and will be held Wednesday, March 13, 20256, on the GSSM campus in Hartsville. The fair is open to students in grades 5–12 from Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Lee, Marlboro and Williamsburg counties.

“We are committed to expanding STEM access and excellence in our region,” said Dr. Neval Erturk, executive director for research, global, and innovative initiatives at GSSM. “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.”

The partnership builds on strong student participation in recent years. In 2025, the Sand Hills Region IV fair included 50 middle school students and 13 high school students from across the region. Organizers hope the addition of a college scholarship will encourage increased participation among high school students.

“This partnership allows Coker University to recognize exceptional student achievement while strengthening STEM pathways from our regional schools to college success,” said Dr. Susan Henderson, provost at Coker University.

In addition to scholarship opportunities, the fair provides students with a platform to present original research, engage with STEM professionals, and advance to higher levels of competition through the ISEF network.

Event Information:
Date: Wednesday, March 13, 2026 
Location: South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics, Hartsville 
Eligibility: Students in grades 5–12 from Sand Hills Region IV counties 
 

For more information on how to register, contact:
Dr. Josh Witten 
Director of Research and Inquiry, GSSM 
witten@governors.school 
843-383-3901 ext. 3930