Spartanburg Community College

 

 

Spartanburg Community College (SCC) received a $10,000 grant from the Heritage Classic Foundation to support the LEGO Robotics program in Cherokee County. The check presentation was made during the Downtown Rotary Club Luncheon at The Piedmont Club on Tuesday, October 30.

“We’re grateful to the Heritage Classic Foundation for recognizing the importance of STEM; science, technology, engineering and math programs, by supporting our LEGO Robotics initiative in Cherokee County Schools,” said SCC President Henry Giles.

The grant was made possible by the 2012 RBC Heritage PGA TOUR golf tournament and the Verizon Foundation. The Verizon Foundation awarded a three-year $1.5 million dollar grant to the Heritage Classic Foundation in 2011. A portion of the funding is to be used to increase students’ interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).

“The Heritage Classic Foundation feels Spartanburg Community College and its Cherokee County Campus deserves this grant because its LEGO Program is making students become more interested in math and science,” said Charity Committee Chairman Stan Smith. “There are more than 180 students enrolled in SCC’s program who build their own robots using LEGOs and other materials.”

“SCC’s Cherokee County Campus’ vision to increase young people’s interest in STEM subjects through the LEGO Robotics Program has become a reality,” stated Senator Harvey S. Peeler. “Our citizens are taking advantage of the programs offered by the community college, and organizations such as the Heritage Classic Foundation are recognizing the benefits that SCC’s programs provide to our community.”

SCC’s LEGO Robotics Program is based on a national model of discovery science: students enjoy learning when they are doing something that is fun. Using state-of-the-art materials and equipment provided by The LEGO Group, students from elementary school through college are introduced to STEM concepts and principles. They apply what they are learning by building robots that can function in various ways, and they may also compete in county, state and national robotics competitions.

This Heritage Classic Foundations grant brings the total charitable funds distributed by the Foundation to $1.5 million in 2012. Since 1987, close to $23 million has been donated to those in need throughout South Carolina.

To view or download photos of the check presentation, go to:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sccsc/sets/72157631889895403/

 

Related Stories:

 - LEGO Robotics Program Brings in $10,000 Grant - News Channel 7, Nov. 20, 2012

http://www2.wspa.com/news/2012/nov/19/lego-robotics-program-brings-10000-grant-ar-5002429/