Charlottesville, VA—Battelle recently distributed $40,000 to seven organizations in the Charlottesville and Albemarle County area as part of its continuing support of science education and workforce development.

The donations go toward funding everything from science fairs to scholarships and from computers to mentoring programs—all critical parts of the complex goal of supporting education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields with the intent of building a strong workforce for the future.

Battelle is the world’s largest independent research and development organization with offices around the world. It has had offices in Charlottesville since the mid-1990s and currently has about 65 analysts, scientists and engineers providing solutions and services in support of chemical, biological and radiological defense.

“One of Battelle’s founding principles is to use science for the benefit of mankind, not only on a global basis, but to do so in the communities where we live and work,” said Adrian Felts, Manager of Battelle Charlottesville Operations. “We are proud to support local science and education initiatives in Charlottesville and challenge others in the business community to do the same because it really benefits us all in the local tech community by advancing regional, long-term economic development.”

The funding goes toward the following programs and projects in 2012:

• The Virginia Piedmont Regional Science Fair where the third annual Battelle Innovation Award will be bestowed on what is judged to be the most innovative project.
• The Charlottesville Community Foundation to fund a Tech Tour in which students are exposed to technology careers by touring and meeting with local businesses.
• The Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair where 300 high school students from around the state compete.
• Women in Math and Science Career Day at the University of Virginia—a program developed by Battelle Charlottesville staff member Sara Nitcher— in which graduate students in science and mathematics are introduced to non-academic career paths.
• Computers4Kids, a non-profit after-school technology mentoring program for disadvantaged youth.
• The office continues to provide support through donations to the Charlottesville City and Albemarle County school systems.