18 Students Complete GSSM's Accelerate Engineering Program

HARTSVILLE, S.C. (May 22, 2025) – The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) celebrated the achievements of 18 high school seniors from across the state who successfully completed its Accelerate engineering program during a ceremony held Saturday, May 17, at Prestwood Country Club. 

Accelerate is GSSM’s rigorous virtual engineering program for students in 10th through 12th grade. It allows students to earn college credit while completing advanced engineering coursework, all while remaining enrolled in their home high schools. 

Ms. Joceline Irick, a 2021 graduate of the Accelerate program and recent graduate of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, delivered the keynote address. She graduated summa cum laude and will begin work on her master’s degree in civil engineering at Clemson University this fall. 

“Initially hesitant due to the program’s rigorous reputation, I took the leap, and it became one of the most rewarding challenges I have ever undertaken,” said Irick. “Beyond earning college credits, the program continues to have a lasting impact on my life. It gave me the confidence to embrace new opportunities, think creatively, and approach challenges with an open mind.” 

This year’s completers represented 11 public school districts and charter schools across South Carolina. Participating schools included Chesterfield High School; Easley High School; D.W. Daniel High School; Gilbert High School; GREEN Upstate Charter High School; J.L. Mann High School Academy of Mathematics, Science & Technology; Lexington High School; Mayo High School for Math, Science & Technology; Orangeburg High for Health Professionals; River Bluff High School; and South Pointe High School. 

Accelerate students complete a demanding three-year curriculum that mirrors the experience of collegiate engineering programs and equips them with foundational skills for success in STEM fields. As a capstone, seniors address one of the National Academy of Engineering's Grand Challenges for the 21st Century. 

“This group has demonstrated tremendous growth in their ability to apply engineering skills to real-world problems,” said Randy Gibson, GSSM’s director of Accelerate and engineering instructor. “Through their capstone projects, they’ve tackled complex issues such as carbon sequestration, the science behind personalized learning, and health-focused innovations that enhance the joy of living. These projects reflect their ability to not only think critically but to design practical, research-based solutions.” 

“Accelerate is a great program that allows high school students to take college-level dual enrollment and honors courses while remaining at their home high schools,” Gibson added. “They’re challenged academically in ways that prepare them to become the next generation of engineers addressing the most critical issues facing our world.” 

“The Accelerate Engineering program advances GSSM’s mission to extend access to rigorous, high-quality STEM education to students across South Carolina, regardless of geography,” said Neval Erturk, GSSM’s vice president of academics. “These graduates have shown remarkable determination and intellectual curiosity over the past three years. Their accomplishments reflect their academic ability as well as their resilience and readiness to lead in an increasingly complex, innovation-driven world. We are incredibly proud of what they achieved and excited to see the impact they will make.”  

Now in its tenth year, the Accelerate program continues to expand its reach, giving students in both rural and urban areas access to high-quality engineering education through virtual instruction and in-person summer intensives. The program is open to students enrolled in public, charter, and homeschool settings across South Carolina. 

For more information about the Accelerate program and how to apply, visit www.scgssm.org/accelerate. 

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About the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics 
The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) is a nationally ranked top 10 public high school that exists to bring world-class STEM education to students across the state. Founded in 1988 by Gov. Carroll Campbell, GSSM is a state resource that offers a variety of programs including an intensive two-year residential high school, a challenging virtual engineering program, summer camps, and in-school experiences for students in 3rd through 12th grades. At GSSM challenge is viewed as a gateway to opportunity. Learn more about how we help students realize their full potential by visiting www.scgssm.org.