On December 1, 2022, Halil Guven, Dean of San Diego State University Georgia, visited public schools in the villages of Chkhakaura in the Chokhatauri municipality and Mtispiri in the Ozurgeti municipality. This visit, organized by Bakhvi Hydropower Plant (HPP), provided a unique opportunity for high school students (grades 10-12) to learn about the academic opportunities offered by San Diego State University Georgia.
Dean Guven's visit highlighted the unique chance for students to pursue an American education in Tbilisi through programs at San Diego State University Georgia. Although the university no longer accepts new students as of the 2020-2021 academic year, the project continues in a new format. Partner universities, having obtained international accreditation for their STEM programs in coordination with San Diego State University Georgia, now offer these programs. Students can earn internationally accredited bachelor's degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields from Tbilisi State University, Ilia State University, and Georgia Technical University. These programs aim to advance the fields of construction, science, and technology, enhance Georgia's human capital, and drive the country's economic growth.
Reflecting on the visit, Dean Guven expressed his admiration: "During our visit to Chkhakaura and Mtispiri, we were fascinated by the students' eagerness to learn, the diligent teachers, and the dedicated school administration. On behalf of San Diego State University Georgia, I am pleased to announce our support for Bakhvi HPP's environmental and social initiatives in these villages. We also appreciate the significant contributions made by Bakhvi HPP Director Giorgi Abramishvili and CCEH Director Mikheil Nobladze, who is also a board member of San Diego State University Georgia, towards building Georgia's energy independence."
Davit Koberidze, Manager of Environmental Protection and Social Management at Bakhvi HPP, elaborated on the company's educational projects: "The social program of Bakhvi HPP includes educational initiatives that support and assist students from Mtispiri and Chkhakaura pursuing university studies in environmental and engineering fields. The invitation of Dean Guven and the organization of introductory meetings in Mtispiri and Chkhakaura align with this project. We believe engineering and environmental protection are professions of the future, and we aim to inspire many young people to choose these paths. Moreover, the most talented individuals will have the opportunity to work with us." განაცხადა დავით კობერიძემ, ბახვი ჰესის გარემოსდაცვისა და სოციალური მართველობის მენეჯერმა.
Currently, Jaba Bolkvadze, a resident of Mtispiri, is benefiting from Bakhvi HPP's educational program. As a first-year engineering student at the technical university, Jaba represents the program's success in fostering educational growth and professional development in the region.