Walters State Receives Simmons Bank Grant
February 20, 2024
Walters State Receives Simmons Bank Grant
The Simmons First Foundation has awarded a $8,598 grant to Walters State Community
College. The Simmons First Foundation is the charitable arm of Simmons Bank.
“We are grateful to the Simmons First Foundation and our local Simmons Bank officials
for this generous gift,” said Dr. Tony Miksa, president of Walters State. “These funds
will help us stir interest in science, engineering, technology and math by growing
our underwater robotics programs for area youth.”
The underwater robotics camps began as part of the Talented and Gifted Program, offered
each January by the college’s Division of Workforce Training. Camps are now offered
during the spring and summer. Teams learn how assemble, program and launch underwater
robots. Robots may be programmed to retrieve a tool or another underwater object.
“The primary goal of the underwater robotics program is to increase knowledge and
enthusiasm for STEM programs,” said Dr. Nicole Cardwell-Hampton, director of youth
programs. “Students learn about entrepreneurship along with engineering principles,
hardware technology and computer programming.”
Cardwell-Hampton said the funds will be used to provide financial assistance to students
in Sevier County.