Florence-Darlington Technical College awarded grant

By Messenger Staff Reports

Published: October 2, 2008

Florence-Darlington Technical College based Next Generation Tech Stars program was recently awarded a $600,000 grant from the National Science Foundation’s Scholarships for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (S-STEM) program.

Tech Stars is an initiative of the South Carolina Advanced Technological Education Center of Excellence headquartered at FDTC.

The Next Generation Tech Stars is a continuation of the highly successful Tech Stars program, which provided $400,000 in initial funding four years ago. Since then, 100 engineering and computer technology students have received funds for laptop computers, tuition, books and supplies.

Eligible programs for FDTC students include: automotive technology, civil engineering technology, civil/graphics technology, electronics engineering technology, electro-mechanical engineering technology, machine tool technology and telecommunications systems management.

A special feature of the South Carolina Advanced Technological Education Center of Excellence Tech Stars scholarship project is the loan-to-own laptop computer program, which provides a strong incentive for Tech Stars to maintain their scholarships and to complete programs on time.  Each eligible student receives a laptop computer for use while enrolled at the college.  Automotive students receive an automotive diagnostic tool.

Students are provided with software required for their major, and the software remains with the laptop when they leave the college, making graduates job-ready or well-equipped for future study towards a baccalaureate degree at another institution.  Upon graduation, ownership of the laptop computer is transferred to the student.  To be eligible for the program, students must enroll full-time in an eligible major, have their prerequisites completed, have a 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need.

The S-STEM program was created by the National Science Foundation to provide scholarships for students participating in science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs. The S-STEM scholarships are designed to provide highly skilled graduates to keep the United States competitive in global markets. For more information, contact the SC ATE Center at (843) 676-8547.