The University of South Carolina (USC) Educational Foundation and the USC College of Engineering and Computing announced a $10,000 grant from the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, the non-profit arm of Dominion Energy, to fund Partners for Minorities in Engineering and Computer Science (PMECS).

PMECS summer technical workshops are held annually on the USC campus, welcoming nearly 150 female, minority and underrepresented students from high schools across the state to participate in two week-long STEM programs.

Focused on preparing students for college, helping develop their communication skills, and enhancing their technical background, PMECS prepares students in their successful transition from high school to college and corporate environments.

Students are involved in hands-on experiments and challenges that reinforce engineering activities covered in the classroom. Participants visit corporate member sites and experience workshops geared toward real-world applications.

“Dominion Energy and the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation are pleased to support Partners for Minorities in Engineering and Computer Science as the USC School of Engineering celebrates the 40th year of the program,” said Wayne Vermullen, Director of Gas Operations for Dominion Energy Carolina Gas and member of the USC College of Engineering and Computing Partnership Board.                                                                                                                                   

PMECS will use the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation grant to eliminate registration fees for the program, as well as provide equipment, supplies and instructional materials.

“The Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation’s partnership with PMECS is important,” said Jamie Barton, Dominion Energy Engineer and member of the College of Engineering and Computing Young Alumni Board. “This partnership will allow every young person capable and interested in a STEM career in South Carolina an opportunity to succeed.”

“We are thrilled and thankful to have such a strong commitment from one of our industry partners, Dominion Energy. Their support for our PMECS program will afford us the opportunity to expand our program and strengthen our ability to educate the state's citizens through teaching, research, creative activity and community engagement,” said Joseph Neary, Senior Director of Development for the College of Engineering and Computing.