LA PLATA, Md. - The Charles County Technology Council and the College of Southern Maryland Foundation have joined efforts to provide annual scholarships totaling $3,000 to support students at the college in the study of math and science.
"It's a new era for technology and this scholarship opportunity with the College of Southern Maryland is just one element in how the Charles County Technology Council hopes to help build the workforce to meet the needs of our future technology community," said Matthew Snellings, director and treasurer for the technology council.
To be eligible for the scholarship, the recipient must be a Charles County resident, plan to enroll or be presently enrolled at CSM, and have a minimum 2.7 grade point average.
"It is wonderful to partner with the business community through this match opportunity. The Foundation board is committed to working with the Charles County Technology Council to support scholarships for students in technology programs here at CSM," said Jane Loughran, CSM's director of development.
In addition to scholarship support, the Charles County Technology Council is also encouraging the college's Technical and Industrial Studies Department in its efforts to hold a regional mid-level robotics competition in April for high school students.
"We appreciate the Technology Council's support for this competition," said Jeff Tjiputra, chair of the CSM Technical and Industrial Studies department. "These tournaments challenge students to use their engineering, mechanics and math skills as they apply these concepts to create the robots," he added. Students have begun preparing for the First Southern Maryland Vex Robotics Competition tournament which will be held April 23 at the La Plata Campus. Schools from Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's are participating in the competition which will become an annual event.
The CSM Foundation promotes academic excellence, growth, progress and the general welfare of the College of Southern Maryland by raising and managing funds, and by providing support to strengthen and develop the college and its objectives.
"We are all very proud that we continue to improve upon the Council's mission to act as a cooperative alliance dedicated to the achievement of people, technology and ideas. This scholarship program and our partnership with the College of Southern Maryland reinforces our commitment to our community," said Carlos M. Montague, chair of the Charles County Technology Council.
For information about the CSM Foundation, call 301-934-7604, or visit www.csmd.edu. For information about the Charles County Technology Council and its efforts to provide robotics kits and associated supplies for Charles County high schools, visit http://www.thetechcouncil.net/. For information about the robotics competition, call 301-934-7556 or 301-870-3008, Ext. 7556 for Charles County; 240-725-5499, Ext. 7566 for St. Mary's County or 443-550-6199, Ext. 7566 for Calvert County.