Mr. Steve Penrose, ADP Senior Vice President (far left) presents scholarship check to Mr. Terry Elam, President of Augusta Technical College; Dr. Curtis Martin, Provost of Paine College; and Dr. William Bloodworth Jr., President of Augusta State University.

            Augusta State University, Augusta Technical College, and Paine College recently announced a three-year partnership with Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP), one of the world’s largest providers of business outsourcing solutions, to increase the number of graduates in the critical areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

            Through a $600,000 grant—The ADP Educational Partners for Success Grant—ADP will provide scholarships to enable the three institutions to increase the number of graduates in STEM areas as well as the number of certified teachers in critical need STEM fields.

            “At ADP, we are committed to fostering a knowledgeable workforce and giving back to the communities in which we operate,” said Steve Penrose, Senior Vice President, ADP. “Support for STEM is key to building this community’s talent pool and we are pleased to provide the resources that enhance the education of students and further the development of the region’s teachers,” he added.

          Augusta State University, the region’s public comprehensive university, will use the ADP grant to award at least 30 new scholarships to students in STEM or STEM education fields as well as increase the staffing and hours of operation for student labs. “We are grateful to ADP for its support to ASU in critical science-related fields of study—support that will help establish Augusta as an important source of talent for the global knowledge economy,” said Dr. William A. Bloodworth, Jr., President of Augusta State University.

          Augusta Technical College, the region’s primary public institution for workforce development training and education, will establish at least 26 scholarships in the Information Technology division, 15 industry certification scholarships, and professional development opportunities for IT faculty.  “Augusta Technical College is pleased to be a part of this unique opportunity provided by ADP, bringing three diverse colleges together to advance science, technology, education, and math majors,” said Mr. Terry Elam, President of Augusta Technical College. 

          Paine College, a private church-related institution founded in 1882, plans to graduate at least 20 students through ADP Scholarships in STEM areas and greatly expand academic support programs in STEM disciplines. “Paine College

is proud to partner with ADP, along with other institutions of higher education in Augusta, in the development of the

          ADP Scholars Program designed to meet the goal of producing a scientifically literate citizenry for Augusta, Georgia, and America,” said Dr. George Bradley, president of Paine College. 

          “I believe this innovative partnership among ADP, Augusta State, Augusta Tech, and Paine will result in deeper collaboration and exchange of ideas as we all work together to address critical STEM needs,” said Mr. Penrose.  

          ADP is one of the world’s largest providers of business outsourcing solutions. In 2008, it was named as one of 41 U.S. Companies that Care for employee and community relations. It was also named by DiversityInc magazine as 25 Noteworthy Companies in 2008.