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Georgia Power energy education initiatives a success
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ATLANTA—More than 56,000 Georgia school children are learning about energy efficiency and the electric utility industry through a statewide Georgia Power education initiative aimed at third-, fifth- and eighth-graders.

The company placed 12 education coordinators around the state to facilitate curriculum delivery focused on increasing awareness and an understanding of energy efficiency.

In particular, the energy educators are focusing on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects in Georgia schools. The program is also building awareness around careers in the electric utility industry, helping create well-informed future energy purchasers and covering topics relevant to the industry.

Teachers have embraced the program and praised its effectiveness. A survey of educators showed 97 percent believe that Georgia Power’s Learning Power curriculum helps them meet the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) for science.

"We are pleased at the success of this program in its first year," said Paul Bowers, president and CEO of Georgia Power. "Improving the educational experience in the communities where we serve is another example of our commitment to the state of Georgia."

Beginning last fall, the education coordinators targeted third-, fifth- and eighth-grade programs to deliver energy efficiency messages through "in-class field trips," using hands-on activities, web-based learning, and educational/career awareness events.

In the Coastal Region, which includes schools in Chatham, Effingham, Evans and Glynn counties, the Georgia Power education coordinator is Wayne Grimes. So far, 6,600 students have been reached by the program in the area.

Georgia Power collaborated with the State Board of Education, educators and stakeholders to develop and deploy the curriculum. Activities were designed to teach specific curricular principles relating to energy efficiency that have been integrated in the required learning objectives.  These objectives are congruent with Common Core Georgia Performance Standards.

This initiative, the company’s latest foray into focusing on education, is a significant step, but not a departure from the over 100 years of support the company has provided being a "citizen wherever we serve."

From supporting Junior Achievement to providing new teacher assistance grants to holding camps aimed at giving students hands-on experience about the importance of math and science in energy and environmental careers, the company has been an active partner in developing future leaders.

For more information about the program, visit www.georgiapower.com/learningpower.

Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company, one of the nation’s largest generators of electricity. Georgia Power serves 2.4 million customers in all but four of Georgia’s 159 counties.