Savannah River Nuclear Solutions donates to HBCUs

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Savannah River Nuclear Solutions has agreed to donate resources including scholarship money and paid internships to Allen University and Benedict College, two historically Black institutions.

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions has now signed memorandums of understanding with 13 local colleges, universities and veteran programs and donated $5 million toward educational outreach since 2008, according to a news release.

“Since the first day of the contract in 2008, SRNS has continued to support the valued heritage established at SRS in support of all levels of education throughout the region,” Stuart MacVean, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions president and CEO, said in the release. “Over the last four years alone, SRNS has donated more than $260,000 to area colleges and universities.”

U.S. Rep. James Clyburn applauded the agreements, which include a tour of the facility for faculty or staff, mentorship from facility experts, staffing and interview workshops and other workforce development programs.

 “An internship can be a game-changer that opens doors, builds experience and offers an excellent ‘test-drive’ for both students and employers,” Clyburn said in the release. “This is an outstanding, comprehensive effort to prepare students for the many current and future career opportunities right here in South Carolina, at the Savannah River Site.”

Both schools will work toward aligning curriculum to meet Savannah River Nuclear Solutions’ workforce needs.

"Our MOU with SRNS directly aligns with Benedict's strategic plan and commitment to produce a highly skilled minority talent pool for the region's workforce,” Roslyn Clark Artis, president and CEO of Benedict College, said in the release. “This partnership is a great example of how we can work with area companies and organizations to provide a broad array of services and opportunities for our students while simultaneously helping to fuel the economy.”

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, a Fluor-led company with Newport News Nuclear and Honeywell, is responsible for the management and operations of the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site.