STEM futures take root at SC State through CEES summer programs for freshmen, teachers

The Center for Energy & Environmental Solutions brought 50 incoming freshmen to campus for a head start on STEM education.

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – Za’Niyah Bowie spent part of her summer exploring the front lines of science and technology — from engineering labs to environmental research fields — before even starting her first college class. 

The incoming freshman from Clarksville, Tennessee, was one of 50 students selected for South Carolina State University’s Center for Energy and Environmental Solutions (CEES) Summer Bridge Program, a weeklong experience designed to immerse new Bulldogs in the possibilities of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

Bowie, who plans to major in biology and become a pediatric dentist, came in focused on a clear goal. But the program expanded her view of STEM careers.

“I was really focused on biology,” she said. “But hearing about all the other career fields that STEM has in it … it just kind of opened my mind to other possibilities.”

The Summer Bridge Program was one of two CEES initiatives hosted in June to advance STEM education across the region. Earlier in the month, CEES welcomed middle and high school teachers from across South Carolina for its inaugural Summer Science Institute (SSI).

“Our mission at CEES is to create strong, sustainable pathways into STEM fields, especially for students from underrepresented populations who may not otherwise have access to early exposure and support,” said Dr. H. Bryan Riley, CEES director. “The Summer Bridge Program actively helps incoming students as they build confidence, practice persistence and engage in hands-on learning before their first semester.

“At the same time, the Summer Science Institute allows us to partner with middle and high school STEM educators who play a critical role in shaping the pipeline. By supporting both students and teachers, we extend our impact across generations and help transform lives through greater opportunity and success,” Riley said.

A head start on campus and in the classroom

When Bowie arrived at the SC State campus for CEES Summer Bridge, she did not know anyone. But within days, Bowie found a new sense of belonging — and a fresh perspective on her future.

“After I got to meet everybody, it was smooth sailing,” she said.

Held June 22–27, the CEES Summer Bridge Program gave participants an early introduction to college-level STEM coursework through sessions led by SC State faculty in engineering, cybersecurity, math and environmental science. Students explored careers through field trips to Boeing in North Charleston and WIS-TV in Columbia, built skills in student success seminars, and formed peer connections through evening group activities and presentations.

Both summer programs took participants to the Till family’s Embeford Farm of SC LLC in Neeces, where they heard from owner Dr. John Till, a retired Navy admiral and nationally recognized expert in nuclear environmental science whose career spans decades of work in radiation risk analysis and environmental health.

Till, founder of the Risk Assessment Corporation and chair of several national advisory boards, gave students and teachers a firsthand look at how science, policy and public health intersect.

Till’s presentation gave Bowie a new perspective on the evolution of nuclear science.

“Back then, they didn’t have a lot of protection, so they kind of just had to wing it,” Bowie said. “Now, we know how to protect ourselves.”

Legacy, leadership and a passion for engineering

For Timothy Beard, an incoming civil engineering major from Blackville, South Carolina, the STEM experience at SC State was also a step into family tradition. He is the latest member of his family to attend the university — following in the footsteps of his grandfather, great-aunt and great-uncles.
 
“I’m just trying to carry on the tradition,” Beard said.

The visit to Embeford Farm was both educational and personal. Beard recalled spending time on family farmland as a child, but he said the level of technology and scientific precision at the Till family’s operation was on a different scale.

“It’s way more advanced than what I’ve seen before,” he said.

He joined the program to deepen his understanding of engineering before the fall semester. A visit to Boeing left a lasting impression.

“I learned how planes are built and how much detail it takes — it was awesome to see that up close,” he said.

The experience fit right into his plans for his civil engineering degree.

“I chose civil engineering because I really like to build things,” Beard said. “I really want to build bridges and houses and things like that. I want to be part of trying to make the economy grow.”

Equipping educators for tomorrow’s classrooms

Between 2022 and 2032, South Carolina's total employment is projected to increase by approximately 262,000 jobs, reaching over 2.6 million positions — a growth rate of 11.1%. Most of these jobs will require STEM-related education and competencies. So, SC State and the CEES are looking to be major participants in workforce development.  
 
The SSI, held June 16–20, gave STEM teachers from within a 50-mile radius of Orangeburg the opportunity to engage in collaborative workshops, hands-on demonstrations and peer learning.
 
Participants received a stipend, mileage reimbursement, 10 certificate renewal points and a certificate of completion from SC State’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Transportation (College of STEM-T).
 
Like their student counterparts, educators also gained valuable insight from Till’s session at Embeford Farm, exploring the history and progress of nuclear safety and environmental monitoring.

Building pathways through CEES

Both the Summer Bridge Program and Summer Science Institute are part of the broader mission of the Center for Energy and Environmental Solutions, which is housed within the College of STEM-T.
 
CEES develops inclusive pathways into energy, environmental and STEM careers through hands-on learning, outreach, and faculty-led research. The center aims to build a more diverse and prepared workforce by serving students and educators alike.
 
To learn more about the Center for Energy and Environmental Solutions, visit www.scsu.edu/cees .