Water utility launches internship program at Midlands high school

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Three Blythewood High School students have been selected for a new STEM internship program in a public-private partnership with South Carolina Water Utilities.

In the paid internship, students will rotate through SCWU facilities to learn about water and wastewater management. Core science, technology, engineering and math program components will focus on understanding the chemistry, biology, fluid mechanics, and engineering skills required to operate those facilities.

“South Carolina Water Utilities is excited to implement this internship program in the community where many of us live and work,” Craig Sorensen, SCWU president, said in a news release. “As the caretakers of water, we see a need for more private-public partnerships in South Carolina to get students excited and interested in STEM — our vital industry in particular — and we are proud to lead by example with this program.”

The program could be expanded to other Midlands schools, according to the release.

SCWU, a subsidiary of SouthWest Water Co., is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, serving customers in the Midlands and the Lowcountry.

 “We applaud South Carolina Water Utilities for developing this novel and engaging program for our students,” Blythewood principal Matthew Sherman said. “Blythewood High School is dedicated to providing students with as many opportunities for success as possible, and this is one more pathway to do just that.”