Pilot Program Offers Unique STEM College Experience for Local High Schoolers

April 10, 2025 – An immersive pilot program designed to expose area students to opportunities in STEM fields launched at Clemson University yesterday. Students who display the scholastic aptitude to attend college from Anderson School District Five’s T.L. Hanna and Westside High Schools were invited to participate in the inaugural cohort of the STEM for the WIN program.

“STEM education is a critical piece in our school district’s mission to educate students who are college and career ready,” said Anderson School District Five Assistant Superintendent and Chief Communications Officer Kyle Newton. “We are excited about the opportunity for our selected T.L. Hanna and Westside students to get to interact with current college students at the Clemson University Science Outreach Center, and for them to experience hands-on learning opportunities.”

Founded as one of the Capstone Projects of the 36th Class of the Furman University Riley Institute’s Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI), STEM for the WIN invited students to engage in a DNA Fingerprinting laboratory experiment at the Clemson University Science Outreach Center. Students also had the opportunity to have one-on-one conversations with current Clemson University STEM majors and tour the campus.

“We’re thrilled any time we can bring curious students to campus and give them the opportunity to get hands-on with science,” said Reneé Lyons, executive director of Clemson Science Outreach. “There are so many fascinating and fulfilling opportunities in STEM, and we are delighted to provide a little piece of inspiration.”

The goal of STEM for the WIN is to connect students to local colleges and universities to stimulate and foster their interest in pursuing careers in STEM. Creating this bridge between students and higher education institutions will expand students’ networks and provide opportunities, resources, and experiences that may not otherwise be accessible to them.

This event is made possible through the contributions of Anderson School District Five, Clemson University, AnMed, and Connie Maxwell. Students and their families incurred no cost for participating. For interest in supporting subsequent STEM for the WIN experiences, media inquiries, or more information, please contact Keisha Bentley at [email protected], Scott Weiskittel at [email protected], or Amanda Taylor at [email protected].