AIKEN, S.C. (November 14, 2024) - Savannah River Mission Completion (SRMC), the Savannah River Site liquid waste contractor, hired another student worker from the University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA) LIFE Program, its second this year.
USCA LIFE is a two-year program that serves students with intellectual disabilities by providing individual support and services, focusing on academic and social inclusion, providing access and skills for gainful employment, integrating person-centered planning, and offering a meaningful credential.
SRMC partnered with USCA LIFE earlier this year when it hired the first student worker from the program at SRMC’s Aiken Office, along with giving a $20,000 donation to the program. Now, SRMC is hiring second-year student Brayden Thompson, who will also work in the SRMC Aiken Office on a part-time basis in facility management, helping to set up for events and working with the facility administrator.
Supporting the program has proven to be beneficial to all three parties: USCA LIFE, the student worker, and SRMC, said SRMC Prime Contract Management Director Kathy Vaselopulos.
“SRMC is pleased to collaborate with the university again and support this important program that prioritizes students with intellectual disabilities,” Vaselopulos said. “We are honored to provide the students with a real-world work experience to help them develop the skills and connections that can be used in gaining meaningful careers.”
USCA LIFE Program Director Dr. Melissa Martin said that students complete both USCA courses and courses specific to the LIFE program.
“LIFE students are USCA students first and foremost,” Martin said. “We offer LIFE students access to social events, clubs, Greek life, and all the offerings enjoyed by our student population. The USCA LIFE staff helps them complete job applications and prepares them for a full, independent life.”
SRMC is the Liquid Waste Contractor at the Savannah River Site and 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.
The University of South Carolina Aiken is a regional comprehensive university offering bachelor's and master’s degrees to approximately 4,000 students in more than 70 academic programs. Named a top Regional Comprehensive Public College in the South for more than decades, USC Aiken students arrive from 41 states and 25 countries. They benefit from a high-caliber education that rivals the best in the nation at a net tuition far lower than the national average, with more than 50% of students receiving free tuition and 30% of students graduating with no debt after scholarships and other financial aid.
Cutline: Savannah River Mission Completion Facility Administrator Claire Con oversees student worker Brayden Thompson of University of South Carolina Aiken’s LIFE Program performing a fire extinguisher inspection at SRMC’s Aiken office.
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