RADFORD -- Each summer, young women from across Virginia arrive on the campus of Radford University to attend the Summer Bridge Program, an initiative designed to encourage participants to study and pursue science, technology and math fields during their college and professional careers. In support of the program’s mission, one of the nation’s largest producers of energy has donated $25,000 to the RU program.

Dominion, which is headquartered in Richmond and recently opened a new facility in Wise County, will provide scholarships for 31 sophomores or juniors in high schools from Wise, Lee, Buchanan, Smyth, Washington, Dickenson, Russell, Scott and Tazewell Counties to attend the 2009 Summer Bridge Program.

“Because the Summer Bridge Program is committed to environmental education and to increasing the number of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematical fields, Dominion is proud to be counted among the program’s supporters,” said Marjorie Grier, vice president of The Dominion Foundation.

During the one-week program, Summer Bridge participants complete two of four program tracks, work on class assignments and projects, learn how to connect their interests to potential college and career opportunities, listen to special guest presentations, and meet other young women interested in information technology, math and the sciences.

During the 2009 program, students will learn about mathematics in puzzles and code breaking, technology and social media, forensics, and biotechnology. Participants will also explore RU’s planetarium, greenhouse, Selu Conservancy and the Museum of the Earth Sciences.

To learn more about the Summer Bridge Program, call (540) 831-6277 or email abrown238@radford.edu.