This focus area of the WORC Scholars Program concentrates efforts on the recruitment of capable STEM majors (particularly from underrepresented groups in the sciences) to attend UofSC Aiken to obtain a STEM degree.

• High school students will be selected each year to participate in the Summer Scholars Institute and paid $1500/student to conduct original research with a faculty mentor.
  • Students selected would work in labs for engineering, computer science, and chemistry, and biology.
  • This would involve a competitive selection process.
• High school students engaged in research will have an opportunity to present their research in a special WORC-sponsored session at UofSC Aiken’s Scholar Showcase each spring.
• The WORC Scholars Program is highlighted on annual recruitment trips to local high schools, at regional STEM awareness events in the CSRA (STEM Career Connections), and through our on campus recruitment day, called STEM Friday.
  • Two key recruitment events:
    • STEM Friday – This is a dedicated recruitment, open-house day on the campus of UofSC Aiken dedicated to STEM awareness and recruitment of STEM students to UofSC Aiken. In the past two years, this event has grown by more than 720%. In November 2019, the CSE welcomed over 250 high school students and guests from more than 12 different high schools. Eight partner high schools brought more than 10 students each.
    • STEM Career Connections Fair – This SRSCRO sponsored recruitment event is aimed at STEM career awareness and reaches more than 300 high school students throughout the CSRA. UofSC Aiken Admissions and the College of Sciences and Engineering have participated the last two years.
• Creation of the WORC “Rising Star” Freshman Scholarship ($1000/recipient).
  • First year scholarships will be awarded at STEM Friday to top students in attendance who enroll at UofSC Aiken in the areas of engineering, computer science, biology-ERRP, or chemistry.