Staff Report
Published June 8, 2012

The Verizon Foundation recently awarded the South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics $10,000 to support the school's summer camp experience, called Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Among Middle Schoolers, or iTEAMS.

Serving rising eighth- and ninth-graders in select S.C. counties, iTEAMS offers students interactive technology-based learning.

The camp features a team project that allows students to design applications for mobile devices. Other camp components include creating video games and learning the ins and outs of cyber security.

The Verizon Foundation also offers GSSM resources through Thinkfinity.org, an educational website for teachers and students.

"We are grateful to the Verizon Foundation," said Dr. Murray Brockman, GSSM president. "This grant allows us to expand our iTEAMS program, provide more opportunities for young students to explore interests in STEM subjects, and offer enriching learning experiences featuring mobile technology."

GSSM is a public, residential high school for academically motivated 11th- and 12th-graders from across South Carolina. The school launched iTEAMS in June 2009 in an effort to extend its reach to more students in the state. The four-day camp includes a mentor program and provides students with career exploration opportunities through comprehensive technology discussions.

"We're proud to support this program as it builds long-term value for our community," said Jerry Fountain, regional president of Verizon Wireless. "Mobile technology is especially engaging to students. If used consistently, it can increase student success and interest in STEM subjects."