S.C. State gets $150,000 for research

South Carolina State University's environmental program received a $150,000 donation from the Wal-Mart Foundation on Monday to expand the program and add more research opportunities for the students.

The Savannah River Environmental Sciences Field Station program, established in 1996, is a course-driven internship involving time in and out of the classroom to learn and apply theories in field experiments.

"We are the only field station in the country devoted to the education of environmental science for predominantly minority students," program director Denise Grant said.

Grant said the money she requested will be used during the next fiscal year to expand the courses that are taught. The donation also will be used to give the students a research experience.

Cedric Shamley, a fourth-year biology student, said he enjoys the hands-on aspect of the program and that he plans to continue studying environmental issues in graduate school.

"I feel like it's a blessing, and I feel like it will help to better the program" Shamley said of the donation.

Chris Neeley, chairman of the Wal-Mart Foundation State Giving Program, said it was an easy decision for the committee to give the money to the program.

"One, it was in line with our values, and two, because in this economy we recognize that historically black colleges, like S.C. State University, really need resources to educate and train their students who will be the future leaders of our country," Neeley said.

Grant said with nine of the nation's 29 field station members being in South Carolina, along with the national discussion of green topics, she feels fortunate to have been favored by Wal-Mart.

"I think it's the opportune time for our interns to learn this field," Grant said. "This training will give the students the knowledge to excel as the economy grows and expands in this field."

The Wal-Mart Foundation donated more than $400 million nationwide, including more than $9.9 million in South Carolina, last year, Neeley said.

"As a company, we feel that we have a responsibility to give back," Neeley said.

The university's program is near capacity with around 40 students.

Editor's note: Earlier published versions of this story incorrectly identified the 29 field station members in South Carolina as field stations. The Post and Courier regrets the error.