Florence County, South Carolina – The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics and Coker University are working together to make it easier for students in the Pee Dee region to get involved in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) activities. This will also make it easier for students to get to college.
The SC Sand Hills Region IV Science and Engineering Fair is the main focus of the partnership. It’s a long-running competition that lets students show off their original research and problem-solving talents.
Starting this year, Coker University will give each high school category winner at the fair a $1,000 scholarship to help pay for college. Students who want to go to Coker University can use the Coker University Scientific Achievement Award to pay for their tuition.
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The regional fair, which is part of the International Science and Engineering Fair network, will be held on the GSSM campus in Hartsville on Wednesday, March 13, 2025. Students in grades five through twelve from Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Lee, Marlboro, and Williamsburg counties can join. This draws young researchers from a wide area.
GSSM organizers said that the relationship shows that both groups are committed to improving STEM education and encouraging students to work hard in school.
Dr. Neval Erturk, GSSM’s executive director for research, global, and creative initiatives, said that the scholarship part is valuable because it recognizes success and helps students see a future in higher education.
“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,” Erturk said.
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Officials at Coker University said the same thing, stressing how important it is to recognize students early on for their accomplishment. Provost Dr. Susan Henderson said that the relationship lets the institution honor the great work of young scientists and strengthen ties between schools in the area and college prospects.
Organizers think that adding a college grant will encourage more high school students to take part. The fair had 50 middle school students and 13 high school students in 2024. Leaders think these numbers can expand with more incentives.
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In addition to awards, the fair gives students a chance to present their research, talk to STEM professionals, and move up to higher levels of competition through the international science fair network.
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