CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP
Junior Achievement partnership prepares students for sound financial future
Providing the communities we serve with clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy isn’t the only thing that gets us out of bed each morning. Equally important is our commitment to public service. So, we’re all in when it comes to giving back to Georgians throughout the state in truly meaningful ways.
Such is the case with our partnership with Junior Achievement Discovery Centers – an organization which combines key components of education in state-of-the-art learning facilities where middle school students apply real-world concepts they learn through an interactive, 360-degree fully immersive educational experience.
Located in Atlanta, Dalton, Gwinnett, and North Georgia, and serving more than 88,000 middle schoolers each year, students take part in JA BizTown and JA Finance Park to become an active part of a simulated version of their hometowns.
“Georgia Power’s partnership enables JA to expose students to the real world beyond the classroom walls, while providing a truly authentic learning experience. The company’s presence in our JA Discovery Centers allows students to learn about an industry they may not have known much about, and it also gives them an inside look at something they likely take for granted on a daily basis.”
– John Hancock, President & CEO, Junior Achievement of Georgia
JA BizTown allows 6th graders to interact within a simulated economy firsthand to experience the challenge of operating a business successfully. Here, students not only learn the ins and outs of running a business successfully. They also get to explore the many career opportunities available in their cities.
“I wanted to volunteer with Junior Achievement due to the impact it had on me in high school. It opened my eyes to career paths, where I decided to become an accountant. I have been a CPA for 30 years, and it’s organizations like JA with the support of companies like Georgia Power that gives students a perspective and opportunity to explore different career paths and be successful.”
– Susan, JA volunteer
JA Finance Park allows 7th and 8th graders to envision what their personal financial futures may hold.
Guided by 'true-life' situations, students participate in immersive simulations enabling them to develop skills to successfully navigate today’s complex economic environment. This shows them how decisions they make now can impact their lives in the future.
“JA summer program has been so much fun! Not only do I get to meet new friends, but I am learning life skills like how to save money. The program has also helped me think about careers in science and math that I was not aware of.”
– Madisyn, rising 7th grader at Davis Middle School
These three programs give students time to collaborate with their classmates, teachers, and adult volunteers as they learn about and develop a greater understanding of financial concepts, build invaluable 21st century career and job skills, while fostering and fueling entrepreneurial aspirations.
To learn more about the program and our other educational initiatives, please visit:
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Beating the heat at home – Georgia’s first Smart Neighborhood turns two
2021 marks the two-year anniversary of Georgia Power’s Smart Neighborhood. A partnership with PulteGroup, it’s the first Smart Neighborhood in Georgia. Located in Atlanta’s popular Upper West Side, residents like Naomi Rose, are already reaping the rewards of smarter technology.
Each home uses rooftop solar power, in-home battery energy storage, advanced heating and cooling systems, LED lighting, home automation, smart thermostats, smart locks, voice control and optimal insulation for maximum energy efficiency.
Naomi Rose is definitely a true believer. She loves how her Ecobee Smart Thermostat saves her time and money, which is a big deal to her as a single mother.
“The fact that it can be controlled from my mobile device whether I’m at home or away from home is so convenient! Every time my son Kyson is napping in the room, I don’t have to keep going back and forth to make it comfortable for him. And when I’m not controlling it from the app, I’m giving Alexa commands all day!”
– Naomi Rose, Resident
Smart Neighborhoods are just one way we’re helping our valued Georgia Power customers beat the heat and save money this time of year.
For more energy-saving tips and programs, free resources and tools to help minimize the impact of increased energy usage during the dog days of summer, please visit:
POWER QUALITY & RELIABILITY
Building a reliable workforce right here at home
Ensuring a quality, reliable power grid today and into the future requires a diverse, highly skilled pool of skilled men and women with a passion for lineworking.
That’s why Georgia Power is partnering with Atlanta Technical College (ATC) to develop an electrical lineworker certification program focused on metro Atlanta high school graduates, GED holders and job seekers in career transition.
Ongoing efforts to increase equity and diversity in the lineworker profession include statewide high school summer internships, hosted by Power Delivery and the Georgia Power Workforce Development teams.
The experiential learning opportunities advance career awareness of the industry and create career pathways into the energy industry for students.
“Lineworkers are essential to the reliability and resilience of our electrical system and the need for more talent is greater than ever.”
– Glen Grizzle, SVP of Power Delivery for Georgia Power
ATC awarded its first class of line worker apprentice certificate holders at a ceremony in March of 2021. These students will move into advanced internships with Georgia Power as the next step in building their energy careers.
The Electrical Lineworker Apprentice Certification (ELAC) curriculum, which provides students with the skills and acumen to become apprentices, is an eight-week course covering the basics of electrical theory, lineworker development and power pole climbing.
Learn more about the program and upcoming classes
Dr. Victoria Seals, ATC President, noted Georgia Power’s commitment to an equitable and inclusive workforce that mirrors the state’s diverse communities:
“In addition to providing critical infrastructure to the state through our partnership, Georgia Power is appropriately addressing workforce development and diversity, equity and inclusion”
– Dr. Victoria Seals, ATC President
For more energy job listings and internship opportunities visit:
EMPOWERING EDUCATION
Learning Power: Energizing students and teachers through STEM
Since 2011, Georgia Power’s Learning Power has partnered with Georgia educators to reach more than 750,000 students across the state. Aligned closely with the Georgia Standards of Excellence in science and math, Learning Power interactive labs and creative class activities amp up STEM learning and career exploration.
When the pandemic hit, our mission to empower students and teachers never wavered.
Throughout the last 16 months, 20 dedicated Education Coordinators continued to deliver hands-on, STEM-based energy and energy efficiency lessons at all grade levels, pre-K through high school. The programs, lesson plans and activities are provided at no cost to teachers and schools.
We went virtual and offered many more options to meet educators and students where they are, including online, live and pre-recorded lessons. This summer, we’re hosting webinars so that teachers from across the state can meet their local education coordinators and learn how to incorporate STEM in their classrooms.
Corporate Citizenship
Learning Power makes a positive impact on our communities by challenging students, parents, caregivers and educators to think about energy and their environment in new, innovative ways. The curriculum teaches energy efficiency in school and at home, creating personal connections with science and math.
We’re offering breakout sessions on wind, solar and energy efficiency which include hands-on activities and supporting literature. Additionally, our Education Coordinators will be delivering Learning Power experiments throughout the summer – either virtually or through pre-recorded modules at a variety of camps and libraries.
The Learning Power app (available on Google Play and iTunes) and augmented reality have really expanded Learning Power’s reach, too!
SAFETY TIPS
Diving into summer swimming safety
Everyone wants to get out of the house and into the pool, lake or ocean this summer. But whether you’re a beginner or expert on the water, make sure you know the rules.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
Atlanta Braves ticket offer
As a proud partner of the Atlanta Braves, we are excited to offer fans discounts on tickets. Just enter promo code GAPOWR at checkout for 20% off Sunday – Thursday games, all season long.
PAPERLESS BILLING
Simplify your life with Paperless Billing
Paperless Billing provides the fastest bill delivery option available.
POWER QUALITY & RELIABILITY
Trees and power lines don’t mix – especially during storms
As we move into peak hurricane season, consider which trees you are planting around your home. Downed trees are a major cause of power outages. Help us maintain reliable service by planting the right tree in the right place.
Check back in October for the next issue of Electric Living
We want to hear from you!
Please let us know what you think about our online edition of Electric Living magazine. We would also like to hear what you want to see featured in an upcoming issue.