Savannah River Mission Completion Continues Partnership with USCA LIFE
AIKEN, S.C. (October 20, 2026) — Savannah River Mission Completion (SRMC), the liquid waste contractor at the Savannah River Site (SRS), has deepened its support for the University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA) LIFE program by donating $5,000 to the program and hiring USCA student Jesse Reyes for another semester.
Savannah River Mission Completion donated $5,000 to the USCA LIFE program and welcomed back LIFE student worker Jesse Reyes into the SRMC Laboratories. From left, USCA Vice Chancellor Development & Alumni Affairs Daniel Elwell, Sr., USCA LIFE Director Dr. Melissa Martin, SRMC Laboratories Director Melissa Santaella-Ramos, USCA Chancellor Dr. Daniel Heimmermann, and USCA LIFE Student Jesse Reyes.
Reyes will be continuing his job in the SRMC’s Laboratories, where he supports day‑to‑day operations and learns workplace skills in a professional environment. This is his second year working for SRMC through the USCA LIFE program. Reyes is the third USCA LIFE student worker hired by SRMC, reflecting the organization’s ongoing commitment to providing employment opportunities for students in the LIFE program.
For Reyes, the experience is about more than a job. “I think it has improved who I am, in terms of me using motor skills and time management – skills I can use at other jobs,” said Reyes. “What I like about working for SRMC is that I’m helping them prepare to test waste materials. I like getting to contribute like that.”
The $5,000 contribution from SRMC will support the USCA LIFE (Learning Is For Everyone) program, which offers a college experience for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, focusing on academics, social engagement, independent living skills, and career development. Through its collaboration with SRMC, the program connects students with meaningful, real‑world work experiences that help build confidence and expand future employment options.
SRMC Laboratories Director Melissa Santaella‑Ramos emphasized how the LIFE students working for SRMC gain practical experience that prepares them for future careers.
”These students bring enthusiasm, attention to detail, and a strong desire to learn, which positively impacts our daily operations and our culture,” said Santaella-Ramos.
USCA Chancellor Dr. Daniel Heimmermann said the University of South Carolina Aiken is deeply committed to creating pathways that help all students realize their potential.
“Our partnership with SRMC and the LIFE program provides students like Jesse with hands‑on experiences that build valuable skills, foster independence, and demonstrate the powerful impact of strong community and industry partnerships,” Heimmermann said. “We are grateful for SRMC’s continued support of our students and their success.”
SRMC comprises parent company BWX Technologies, Inc. with partners Amentum and Fluor. Its team brings the capabilities necessary to accelerate cleanup at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site through safe nuclear operations, optimized and integrated mission execution, and strong corporate governance.
USCA is a regional university offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees and certifications across more than 70 programs of study to approximately 4,500 students. USCA is recognized as a top Regional Comprehensive Public University in the South and attracts students from almost 40 states and more than 20 countries. With a commitment to providing a high-quality education at an affordable cost, USCA offers tuition rates well below the national average. More than 30 percent of undergraduate students receive full tuition support, and in recent years, more than 40 percent complete their degrees debt-free from USCA thanks to scholarships and financial aid.
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