Paine College announced today that more than $45,000 has been awarded to 14 students by the Automatic Data Processing Inc. Scholars Committee, making them the first group to receive the scholarships.

The program is the result of a new collaboration with ADP, a provider of business outsourcing solutions, according to a Paine College news release.

The three-year partnership between ADP and Paine, Augusta State University and Augusta Technical College was announced in February.

Combined, the three institutions received $600,000 to increase the number of graduates in areas of science, technology, engineering and math as well as to grow available certified teachers in critical need STEM fields.

Each learning institution has planned scholarships with the grant funding. 2009-10 ADP Scholars named today were: Stephanie N. Golden, Mbile A. Mbongi, Audrey J. Walker, Ashley Williams, Barbara J. Hawkins, Curtavious B. Smith, Chenoa Murray, Shareka Lawson, Akayleeya Tate, Tenaca Golden, Krystal C. Wright, Brian C. Murray, Brittany Cox and Londerial Eady.