South Carolina – The Townes Award was given to the South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) last Wednesday during the 31st Annual Townes Award Celebration held by the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM). A full house at 1208 Washington Place in Columbia saw the reputable award being given for the department’s major contributions to the economic scene of the state.
Harry M. Lightsey III, Secretary of S.C. Commerce, and his deputy, Ashely Teasdel, accepted the award. From improving the life sciences sector to increasing sophisticated manufacturing, both heads have been very important in guiding the department toward goals supporting general economic development. Led by them, the state has experienced an extraordinary inflow of capital investments reaching $10.27 billion in 2022 and $9.22 billion in 2023, which are among the greatest development agreements in the state’s past.
“The South Carolina Department of Commerce is honored to receive the prestigious Townes Award,” said Secretary Harry Lightsey. “S.C. Commerce works to create economic opportunities to increase choices for all South Carolinians, and this award highlights our ongoing efforts to embrace the future to ensure the state’s sustainable advantage for years to come. We greatly appreciate the support and recognition of the Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics.”
This award underlines the Department’s essential involvement in not only attracting companies to South Carolina but also in supporting their development, which exactly fits GSSM’s goal to be a leader in STEM education. Emphasizing the need of their cooperation in offering internship and career chances for students and graduates, therefore improving the educational and professional scene in South Carolina, GSSM President Danny Dorsel commented on the cooperation between the university and S.C. Commerce.
GSSM has given the Townes Award, named for Dr. Charles H. Townes, a South Carolina native, Furman graduate, and Nobel Laureate, every year since 1993. It celebrates those who have made significant contributions to the state and the wider world. For his pioneering work in quantum electronics, which opened the path for the creation of the laser, Dr. Townes won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1964.
Apart from applauding economic development and alliances, GSSM also used this time to reveal the open applications for its residential program and the GoSciTech summer STEM programs. Available in several formats to fit varied needs—including residential camps in Hartsville, day camps around the state, and virtual camps that can be attended from anywhere—these programs are meant to encourage the future generation of scientists and engineers.
The event not only celebrated a milestone for S.C. Commerce but also underlined GSSM’s and the Department of Commerce’s continuous dedication to drive South Carolina into a future full of invention and possibilities.
Applications to GSSM’s residential program are being considered on a space-available basis. Interested students can apply at www.scgssm.org/admissions/apply-residential.
Applications to GSSM’s GoSciTech summer STEM camps are also open, offering students three options: a residential camp in Hartsville, day camps at locations across the state, and virtual camps accessible from anywhere. Interested students can apply at www.scgssm.org/summercamps.
 last Wednesday during the 31st Annual Townes Award Celebration){kind=link}