Today, students from Lower Richland High School are filling the halls of Nephron Pharmaceuticals in West Columbia. They’re learning about the manufacturing industry – how it can be local and high-paying (vs. the picture of noisy plants with dirty air) – as part of a partnership with Richland One’s STEAM programming + EngenuitySC.

At Nephron, the students will see how manufacturing professionals ensure the safe preparation and packaging of drugs and medical items that save lives every day; getting first-hand exposure to the medical and manufacturing fields.

"We love hosting students at Nephron!,” says Lou Kennedy, CEO and owner of Nephron Pharmaceuticals. “I hope that they all apply for jobs and internships here. We are committed to growing our workforce and building our industry's footprint in our region, and the only way that happens in the long term is if we show these kids what cool careers they can have here in the Midlands."

Talent retention is a big, local issue we’re beginning to discuss – but it’s not just at the collegiate level. It starts at the high school level, by connecting local students + local employers – a primary mission of EngenuitySC. “Our industry partners inspire, mentor, and challenge students to think big, work hard and continue to call the Midlands their home,” says Katie Fox, senior project manager at EngenuitySC.

“We are confident in our students' ability to meet the needs of local science and technology-based firms, and to lead those companies into the future,” says Constantina Green, STEM coordinator and teacher at Lower Richland High School. “Visits like ours today are a step to building a stronger, more robust STEM economy in the Midlands."

Want to peek into Nephron’s 408,000-sqft. facility yourself? Watch as we tag along with LRHS’ tour this morning, 9-10:30 a.m., on our Instagram story [@COLAtoday].