Business

Alcoa Mt. Holly announces $155,542 in grants to local non-profits

by Nikki Gaskins Campbell
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GOOSE CREEK, S.C.–On Monday,  Alcoa Mt. Holly announced $155,542 in Alcoa Foundation grants to four local non-profit organizations: the South Carolina Aquarium, Junior Achievement of Coastal South Carolina, the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics, and Trident Habitat for Humanity.

The South Carolina Aquarium will receive $70,000 over two years to support its high school internship program, giving economically disadvantaged high school juniors exposure to science education and workplace training, ultimately seeking to bring diversity to scientific professions in the region.

Two additional grants will support science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education programs: Junior Achievement of Coastal South Carolina (JA) and the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM). JA will receive a $40,000 grant payable over two years to support a partnership with Berkeley County School District impacting approximately 1,050 students in grades 1st through 6th. JA classroom volunteers teach the curriculum designed to raise student awareness of STEM career opportunities and the job preparation required to work in a STEM-related field.

GSSM receives $20,000 to support its 2015 STEM-Education Outreach programs in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties. GSSM’s programs, iTEAMS and CREATEng, bring week-long summer camps to almost 400 local students and are designed to encourage studies in computer science, engineering, programming and business using team-based technology challenges. In addition, seven students who have chosen a field of science or technology study will be awarded GoSciTech scholarships from GSSM.

Trident Habitat for Humanity was selected for a $25,542 grant to support its sustainable building initiative. The grant will fund the research and design of five different energy efficient homes for low-income families in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester Counties, eliminating 2.5m lbs of carbon emissions and 17,500 kwh annually. The home occupants will experience a reduction in homeowner energy costs by at least 20% per year.

“Through these grants, Alcoa Mt. Holly and Alcoa Foundation have the opportunity to positively impact education and environmental programs in the Lowcountry,” said Mike Rousseau, Alcoa Mt. Holly Plant Manager. “With the support of our employee volunteers, we look forward to building and strengthening our relationships with these organizations, and participating in the good work they’re doing in our communities.”

The Mt. Holly plant is jointly-owned by Century Aluminum and Alcoa Inc., the managing partner. The facility opened in Goose Creek in 1980 to produce primary aluminum ingot for home and commercial construction, transportation and other industries. Mt. Holly currently employs nearly 600 people and brings a $900 million economic impact to the State of South Carolina. In 2010 Mt. Holly was named a finalist in the IndustryWeek Magazine Best Plants Competition, and has been a member of the S.C. Environmental Excellence Program since 2004.

 

 

 
Nikki Gaskins Campbell
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