Learning Power returns to Georgia classrooms for fourth year

ATLANTA, Aug. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- As students across Georgia return to the classroom this month, Georgia Power's Learning Power program will go back to school as well. Learning Power, which has reached more than 200,000 students since its inception three years ago, is a statewide education initiative focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects. The initiative is designed to bring energy education to the classrooms of elementary, middle, and high school students at no cost to schools. Through the program, education coordinators visit Georgia schools to present special hands-on STEM-related lessons highlighting energy basics such as simple circuits and energy efficiency, plus activities that help students understand how energy is made and distributed from generation facilities to their homes. In addition to programming during the school year, Georgia Power also hosts specialty camps across the state during the summer break.

"Education, especially in the STEM areas, is one of the greatest challenges facing our state in terms of developing a prepared workforce," said Paul Bowers, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power. "Learning Power is part of our overall education strategy and was developed in coordination with state educators. With thousands of students participating each year, it is helping bridge the gap between what students learn in the classroom and what they can apply for future careers in energy and other technology fields."  

Teachers throughout the state have praised the effectiveness of the program because it integrates required STEM objectives with hands-on lessons. When surveyed, 98 percent of educators believed that the curriculum helped them meet the Georgia Performance Standards for science. Additionally, teachers shared that Learning Power was very effective at educating students about energy efficiency.

As part of the Learning Power program, Georgia Power maintains a variety of information for educators, parents and students at www.georgiapower.com/learningpower. In addition to resources such as interactive diagrams, energy calculators and savings tips, educators can visit the website to schedule classroom lessons, plant tours and apply for special grants through the company.

Learning Power is part of Georgia Power's longstanding commitment to education in Georgia spanning more than 100 years. From supporting the work of groups like Junior Achievement, to providing new teacher assistance grants, to hosting students at generation facilities, the company is working to ensure that today's students are prepared to become tomorrow's leaders.

About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), the premier energy company serving the Southeast through its subsidiaries. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.4 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, advanced coal and natural gas, renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind, as well as a variety of energy efficiency programs. Consistently recognized as a leader in customer service, Georgia Power was recently ranked highest in overall business customer satisfaction among large utilities in the South by J.D. Power and Associates. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower) and Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower).

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SOURCE Georgia Power Co.