ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – Winthrop University recently received a $10,000 GM Community Impact grant to coordinate an after-school camp, sponsor a college visit and prep students for graduate school as part of its Eagle STEM Scholars program.
The Winthrop Eagle STEM Scholars program is in its 11th year of preparing students from underrepresented groups and low-income families, as well as first-generation college students, to succeed in biomedical graduate and professional programs. It has served 174 students during that time, graduating 76 scholars to date, and placing 46 graduates into master’s and doctoral programs.
The second-year grant comes from Rock Hill Buick GMC auto dealership, which sells cars in the Charlotte region. Rock Hill Buick GMC President Charles Winton said he and his wife strongly believe in education and in STEM programs.
“We love to give back to the community, and Winthrop showed gratitude after receiving the first-year grant of $5,000,” Winton said. “This grant will connect young people with science and give them a boost in their path to understanding the field.”
Winthrop will use the $10,000 for three areas of focus:
• Soaring with Eagle STEM – an after-school camp at a local elementary school will provide tutoring and fun STEM activities that will positively impact the students’ attitudes towards STEM. The camp will be offered in summer 2022.
• STEM Students Take Flight – a STEM-focused Winthrop visit for 40 high school seniors. The tour will provide some general Winthrop information during a day-long event featuring sessions on the Eagle STEM Scholars program with a student panel, fun lab activities or experiments and presentations from research professors.
• Eagles as Professionals – current Eagle STEM juniors will receive assistance in GRE preparation and funds to help them apply to graduate programs.
Amanda Cavin, director of the Eagle STEM Scholars program, said the $10,000 grant will go a long way in helping students become successful in STEM programs.
Robin Lammi, chair of the Department of Chemistry, Physics, Geology and the Environment, added: “The Eagle STEM program is transforming scholars’ lives, both professionally and personally, and has been recognized nationally as among the best of its kind for preparing students from underrepresented groups to succeed in STEM. These two GM grants will help to strengthen the support provided to current scholars, and will broaden impact and visibility in the local community, hopefully bringing more students to STEM and to Winthrop.”
To learn more about the STEM Scholars program, contact Cavin at cavina@winthrop.edu.
To give to Winthrop, contact University Advancement at 803/323-2275 or giving@winthrop.edu to speak with a development representative.
