POWERGRAMS

EDUCATION Volunteers motivate girls for a career in engineering Students from Phillips Academy examine an electric-powered Tesla Roadster. Middle school girls from Phillips Academy use a robot to show the importance of saving money and time through industrial engineering. S tudent participation has doubled the past few years of engineering studies. An for an educational program in which Alabama overview of the program Power volunteers introduce middle school girls to mission, goals and engineering. schedule of events The iCan Girls in Engineering program sends completes the evening. students on field trips to company facilities where Alabama Power they participate in motivational activities during the employees work with the school year. In 2012, six middle schools participated students by leading activities in the classroom as well in the program that targets female students who are as accompanying students on field trips. One of the interested in pursuing a career in engineering. most popular biochemical engineering activities is the Nearly 200 volunteers work with the students, "DNA necklace," Prater said. The girls learn about encouraging them by sharing how they decided to DNA and RNA codes by replicating genetic sequences enter the field. Activities are designed to using colored beads. open dialogue about the opportunities Other activities include hands-on an engineering degree offers. Even exercises about energy efficiency, when interested in engineering, young sustainability and renewable energy. women often lose confidence when The students build a simple electrical they take courses that have few fellow circuit and make a burglar alarm, female classmates, said Nancy Prater, among other engineering projects. communications specialist, Corporate "Alabama Power is committed Headquarters. to developing talent and providing "To effectively motivate a student opportunities for middle school girls to pursue the engineering field, in the areas of science, technology, it is important to nurture their engineering and math," said Melissa understanding of engineering Hyche, Human Resources business occupations, and the relevance of consultant. "It is an exciting prospect Girls from Simmons Middle to imagine that one day some of these engineering in the world around School learn about different her," Prater said. "Often it is not iCan girls will work right here at the ways to clean up an oil spill. company alongside those who shared straightforward for a young woman to identify how a specific science, technology, their knowledge and experiences perhaps piquing the engineering or math field will position her to make a young women's initial interest in the field." For more difference in the world." information about iCan, contact Hyche at 205-257Before the iCan activities and field trips begin, 2302 or Prater at 205-257-2383. volunteers open each new school year with a meeting for the girls and parents. The employees discuss their backgrounds, company jobs and requirements SM PAGE 4

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