Donate or Become a SciFest Sponsor or Friend: 2024

United Bankshares, Inc. serves to provide excellence in service to employees, customers, shareholders and its communities. Since 1839, United Bank has committed to providing each relationship with an unmatched level of service. While offering competitive products, services, rates and technology, the level of service provided and a commitment to building relationships is what sets United Bank apart from its competitors. United Bank’s vision is to become one of the highest performing banking companies among the fifty largest in the United States.  United Bank is this year’s named sponsor for the Science Day for 3rd – 6th graders!

The Al Stroobants Foundation was established in 2006 for the purpose of providing financial support for those activities that extol the virtues of the human spirit and have as their goals the reduction of human suffering and promotion of the public welfare through education, the advancement of science and the arts.  The Foundation is this year’s named sponsor for the STAR Award!

Runk & Pratt Senior Living Communities is a family-owned and operated healthcare enterprise that has been devoted to providing quality service and care to seniors in the greater Lynchburg area since 1992. From assisted living in Lynchburg, to memory support in Forest, to independent, memory & assisted living at Smith Mountain Lake and Liberty Ridge, Runk & Pratt is committed to continuing a tradition of excellence that has lasted decades. The Runk & Pratt family of companies also includes a School of Nursing, Entwined Events, local Golf Courses, and the Miss Virginia Volunteer organization.  They are this year’s named sponsor for the Keynote Program with Nuclear Engineer and Miss America 2023, Grace Stanke!

BWXT Nuclear Oprations Group, Inc. located in Lynchburg, Virginia, is a commercial facility that manufactures naval nuclear reactor cores for submarines and aircraft carriers. While operating safely and at the highest levels of regulated compliance, BWXT manufactures precision nuclear components with a highly trained and valued workforce composed of the nation’s most innovative minds. BWXT achieves its goals and creates value for customers through continuous improvement philosophy and through the application of core competencies.

Framatome has a strong presence in the U.S. nuclear energy market, helping power 36 million American homes. As a reliable partner with a long history of proven performance, the company focuses on servicing and fueling the U.S. operating nuclear fleet as well as supporting new nuclear builds, and advancing the future of nuclear energy in the US and abroad. Framatome and its predecessor organizations have been serving the nuclear energy industry in the United States since the 1950s. The North American headquarters for the company is also located in Lynchburg! Framatome is this year’s named sponsor for the Women in Science Panel!

For over 145 years, Genworth has been focused on helping our customers navigate caregiving options, protect and grow their retirement income, and prepare for the financial challenges that come as we age. We’re here to be a trusted ally for everybody who needs care as they age and anybody who loves them.  Genworth is this year’s named sponsor for the LEGO Expo!

For more than a century, Weyerhaeuser has been growing trees and making forest products that improve lives in fundamental ways. We manage our millions of acres of forests on a continuous and fully sustainable cycle. We are responsible stewards of our land for multiple uses, including recreation, conservation, economic development and different forms of renewable energy. And the wood products we make are used to build homes where families are sheltered and raised.

Watts Petroleum Corp. is a locally-run, family-owned business that has been meeting the needs of residential and commercial customers in Central, Southern, and Southwest Virginia since 1936. Watts Petroleum Corp. has built a reputation on giving peace of mind with service that’s unmatched.

Dodson Bros. continues to provide reliable and effective pest and termite control services to thousands of residential and commercial customers. The company has an outstanding reputation for quality service and is widely known for its distinctive bright yellow trucks. Despite its growth, Dodson Bros. maintains the sense of a big family with one goal in mind—customer satisfaction.

Jamerson-Lewis Construction, the merger of J.E. Jamerson & Sons and C.L. Lewis & Company, Inc., provides a combined 150 years of construction experience and excellence to the Central Virginia area.  

High Peak Sportswear provides a straightforward and welcoming sales experience culminating with a superlative product. Each and every employee will be your advocate while navigating the many decisions inherent with custom screen printing, embroidery, signs, and promotional products. High Peak Sportwear provides transparent, equitable pricing and are always open to discuss the variables which drive cost and how the best value can be obtained. Selecting garments, developing artwork, and receiving a final product that exceeds your goals should be easy and seamless. 

Vector Space, Lynchburg’s local Maker Space and community workshop, operates with the mission to build an open and collaborative community that fosters innovation, creativity, and the pursuit of science based knowledge. Vector Space offers 24/7 access to users ages 18+. Enrollment is open 4x per year and begins with a tour, orientation, and safety training. Members enjoy 12,000 square feet of shared workspace and equipment, a community of fellow makers, and discounts on classes.  Vector Space is our event partner for Maker Faire Lynchburg.

James River Association is a guardian of the James River. They provide a voice for the river and take action to promote conservation and responsible stewardship of its natural resources.  James River Association is our event partner for Poetry Jam!