GEL Laboratories LLC has established the GEL Laboratories Scholarship in Chemistry, an annual, non-endowed scholarship at the College of Charleston. Designed to bolster the number of chemistry graduates at the College, the scholarship is awarded to first- and second-year students who plan to pursue a chemistry degree.
GEL established the need-based scholarship for chemistry majors in the fall of 2018 out of a desire to expand its workforce with talented, qualified professionals.
“We’re excited to announce this partnership with the College of Charleston to create the GEL Laboratories Scholarship in Chemistry,” says Mac Hodgson, CFA and president of The GEL Group. “We chose the College due to our strong ties to the Charleston community. In addition, we have nearly 50 College of Charleston graduates working at GEL. We’re proud of the hard work of all of our employees who have made this commitment possible.”
Not only will GEL Laboratories Scholarship recipients receive funding for their education, they will also have the opportunity for a paid internship with the Charleston-based company. As part of The GEL Group, GEL Laboratories is a full-service, comprehensive analytical testing laboratory, offering organic, inorganic, wet chemistry, radiochemistry and radiobioassay testing services. Students can learn more about GEL Laboratories through the company’s website.
“We strive to connect our students and alumni with area industries and offer courses and training relevant to employment in industry,” says Pamela Riggs-Gelasco, chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the College of Charleston. “Currently, about 30 percent of our graduates seek employment in the chemical industry right after graduation. Internships benefit the College and the company: Our students get important real-world experience that helps them compete for positions after graduation, and companies get an opportunity to screen a potential future employee. We look forward to partnering with GEL to extend these opportunities for students.”
Sebastian van Delden, interim dean of the College’s School of Sciences and Mathematics agrees: “With experiential learning being a top priority at the College of Charleston, I am excited about this partnership with GEL Laboratories. Partnering with a leader in analytical chemical testing located right here in Charleston will help us to grow our chemistry program and provide excellent hands-on experiences for our students.”
Featured image: CofC alumni who work at GEL Laboratories. (Photo courtesy of GEL Laboratories)
