AIKEN, S.C. – Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) honored nearly 110 outstanding educators on May 21 during the annual Innovative Teaching Mini Grants reception, celebrating creative, hands‑on STEM projects that will reach thousands of students across the region.
SRNS awarded $75,000 in classroom grants this year, continuing a long-standing philanthropic commitment to strengthening science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and supporting the workforce pipeline essential to the Savannah River Site’s (SRS) national security missions.
Held at Newberry Hall in Aiken, the evening brought together educators representing 79 schools, whose projects span a wide range of STEM initiatives, including robotics, drone technology, environmental science, astronomy, coding and engineering-based investigations.
According to Taylor Rice, SRNS Education Outreach Programs Lead, 109 of the 329 applications were selected to receive grants of $500, $750, or $1,000, supporting new materials and equipment that will benefit approximately 17,000 students.
“Tonight we celebrate educators who turn curiosity into capability,” Rice said. “When educators put tools in students’ hands, they are not just teaching, they are cultivating the STEM problem‑solvers our missions will rely on for decades. Today’s educators play a critical role in preparing future STEM professionals and skilled technicians who will help carry forward SRNS’ mission to make the world safer.”
These impacts reflect the heart of SRNS Education Outreach Programs, which has invested more than $1.125 million in local STEM education since 2009. As SRS prepares for significant workforce growth, including an anticipated 2,000 new hires over the next five years, the need for a strong local talent pipeline continues to grow.
During the ceremony, Jeff Griffin, SRNS President and Chief Executive Officer, reflected on the Site’s 75‑year legacy of scientific innovation, national security contributions and strong community partnerships.
“As SRNS advances missions of national importance, we know our success depends on strong schools, dedicated educators and thriving communities,” he said. “That is why we proudly invest in you, because what you achieve in your classrooms shapes future innovators, engineers, and problem-solvers who may one day help protect our nation. We consider it a true privilege to partner with you in strengthening our workforce, our Site and our community.”
Many educators shared how this year’s funding will directly advance student learning.
Kari Keck, a first‑grade teacher at Aiken Elementary, said the Mini Grant will allow students to collaborate on engineering and design projects while encouraging independent exploration. “This hands-on approach deepens their understanding of scientific and mathematical concepts while building essential skills,” she said. “For families who have fewer resources for outside activities, this funding ensures students still receive quality, engaging learning experiences.”
Matt Herring of Merriwether Middle School will integrate physics, data analysis and engineering into disc golf experiments, reaching more than 175 students in PE classes and disc golf club. “These grants are transformative because they validate and amplify authentic student interest,” he said. “It also provides high-quality equipment needed for genuine scientific investigations involving Newton’s Laws, energy transfer and projectile motion.”
The SRNS Innovative Teaching Mini Grants Program supports K–12 public, private and charter school educators across the Central Savannah River Area and Orangeburg County. Proposals undergo an anonymous review panel of 50 judges to ensure fairness and focus on projects with high educational impact.
received an SRNS‑branded towel and entered for a chance to win one of nine door prizes.
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, a Fluor and HII partnership company, is responsible for the management and operations of the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site, located near Aiken, South Carolina.
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