Just like college signing days for athletes, the next generation of STEM talent in South Carolina will sign a letter of intent to pursue a two- or four-year degree in the STEM field after high school on Thursday morning. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, this traditionally in-person ceremony will be held as a virtual event. The fourth annual SC STEM Signing Day will feature personal videos and photos from each of the 92 selected students signing their letter of intent as well as keynote remarks from SC Governor Henry McMaster, SC Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman, University of South Carolina head women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley, and Boeing and South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance executives. The event will start livestreaming here at 10:30 am EDT on Thursday, April 23.
“Being a part of SC STEM Signing Day is an incredible honor for these high school seniors. Although we’re currently facing unprecedented challenges, it does not diminish the tremendous accomplishments of our students. We are very proud to recognize the achievements and future steps of some of our state’s brightest minds.” – Molly Spearman, State Superintendent of Education
Students from throughout the state applied to be a part of STEM Signing Day through Tallo, an online platform that connects talent with opportunities. The 92 students who will sign with major colleges and universities on Thursday were chosen based on their involvement in STEM education. A full list of the honorees, along with their current high school, future college, and intended program of study is available here.
This year, there are two student honorees from each county in South Carolina. 51% of the honorees are female, 49% are male, 52% are underrepresented racial minorities, 30% will attend two-year colleges, and 70% will attend four-year colleges.
Education, business, and community leaders from around the state will join Boeing, the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance, South Carolina Future Makers, and Tallo in recognizing these students’ talents and drive for success.
“Boeing is honored to recognize 92 South Carolina high school seniors today as they commit to furthering their education in STEM,” said Jessica Jackson, Director of the Southeast Region, Boeing Global Engagement. “During these uncertain times, it’s even more important to highlight the work and dedication of these incredible students. Boeing is proud to support our innovators of tomorrow through events like South Carolina STEM Signing Day and our investments across K-12 education.”
“SC STEM Signing Day highlights the incredible talent across our state. These individuals have worked hard, accomplished great things inside and outside of the classroom, and are on a path towards endless opportunities. We’re proud to celebrate so many South Carolina students and their bright futures.” – Sara Hazzard, President and CEO, South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance
“The idea to celebrate STEM students in the same way we celebrate student athletes began as a small in-person event in South Carolina four years ago. We’re proud of how these STEM Signing Days have grown, and know this year’s virtual event will be our strongest one yet.” -Casey Welch, CEO and Co-founder of Tallo
About the Boeing Company: Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. A top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing employs more than 160,000 people worldwide and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.
About Tallo: Tallo is an online platform that connects talent with opportunities. The Tallo app assists students in designing a career pathway, educators in recruiting top talent to their schools, and employers in developing a stable, continuous talent pipeline. Over 850,000 students (age 13+) and professionals showcase their skills and abilities in their online profile, connect directly with companies and colleges looking for the next generation of talent, and match with over $20 billion in scholarships. Learn more at tallo.com.
About the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance: The South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance is the only statewide organization dedicated exclusively to the interests of manufacturers. Its mission is to elevate the quality of life for all South Carolinians by advancing the state’s manufacturing industry. The SCMA membership is comprised of more than 200 manufacturing companies that represent more than 80,000 associates in South Carolina. For additional information about the SCMA, please visit www.myscma.com.
About South Carolina Future Makers: South Carolina Future Makers is a public-private partnership which fully engages South Carolina’s manufacturing and technology communities with middle and high school students, technical college students, and four-year college students. Working with Tallo and State agencies, the goal of the South Carolina Future Makers initiative is to expose and connect the next generation in the state of South Carolina to all of the opportunities it has to offer, close the STEM skills gap, and ultimately retain talent for future economic development and regional prosperity. Learn more at scfuturemakers.com.
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