SCC Receives NSF Grant

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The National Science Foundation has awarded Spartanburg Community College $592,598 through an Advanced Technological Education Grant to create a data analytics technician program. The new program addresses the Upstate’s critical need for data analytics technicians by collaborating with industry leaders to design a curriculum preparing students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to be successful in this rapidly growing field.

Because data analytics technicians often work remotely, SCC’s curriculum will be designed to maximize remote and flexible learning opportunities. The program also focuses on recruiting and supporting women who may benefit from remote job opportunities since women are underrepresented in STEM careers.

Marcia Schenck, SCC department chair, computer, and engineering technology program, and Renee Cramer, SCC department chair, business technology program, will lead the project as the principal investigator and co-principal investigator accordingly.

“We are thrilled that this grant will provide new opportunities for students to enter high demand, high-paying science, technology, engineering and math careers,” explained Schenck. “Through the grant, we will also offer multiple student support services, such as career coaching and laptops on loan, that will offset common barriers that community college students encounter.”

According to Cramer, “Businesses recognize the value of having employees who can not only retrieve data but can also interpret and organize it quickly into meaningful information within an operational context. This provides companies with a competitive advantage. Local employers are excited about this new program, and that equates to even more opportunities for our students.”

The ATE program focuses on educating technicians for high-technology fields that drive our nation’s economy. The program also supports partnerships between academic institutions and industry to promote improvement in the education of science and engineering.

About the National Science Foundation.
The National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. In the fiscal year 2018, its budget is $7.8 billion. NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities, and other institutions. Each year, NSF receives more than 50,000 competitive proposals for funding and makes about 12,000 new funding awards. For more information, visit https://www.nsf.gov/.