POWERGRAMS

PAG E 5 EDUCATION Within the walls of Carroll High School in Ozark, students are not only preparing to receive a diploma, they are exploring various career paths thanks to the academy concept implemented four years ago. "We find students are much more focused when they can see the relevance in what they're learning," said Dana Griggs, director of Career Technical Education for Ozark City Schools. "We are very excited about the career concept of high school, and we're working to show students how what they're learning today relates to where they see themselves in four or five years down the road." The career academy was implemented in 2012 when Carroll High School restructured into smaller learning communities known as career-themed academies. Student interests and career focuses are used to guide curriculum requirements as well as their future college and career aspirations. The students create a plan in ninth grade and work toward achieving their goals through individualized studies. "When Alabama Power agreed to participate in our business academy," Griggs said, "we knew that was just what we needed. The guest lecturers from Alabama Power have been able to come in and give real-life examples of how they use math skills, writing skills, computer skills and so on in their jobs. This really drives home the relevance of their curriculum. It also helps to have someone other than their teachers telling them how what they are doing today will impact their lives forever." Standard class requirements are the same statewide, but at Carroll High each student enters the Alabama Power Business Academy, the Industrial Technology Academy, the Medical Sciences Academy, the Human Services Academy, the Arts Academy or the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Academy. The Alabama Power Business Academy is in its second year. In addition to learning the basics of business operations through their classes, students get to know what it takes to procure and keep a job through interaction with Southeast Division Alabama Power employees. "You can learn a lot from school," said Carroll High senior Clayton Bushnell. "But you don't necessarily understand the practical application of what you're learning. I have gained a lot of insight into what employers are looking for and what they expect from you from listening to our visitors from Alabama Power." "The time that we have spent with the Alabama Power employees has really opened my eyes to other careers available there that I was not aware of. I really had no idea what it takes to run an electric utility," said senior Daniel Rogers. Southeast Division employees spend time in the classroom each semester discussing a wide range of topics including career opportunities, how to prepare a resume and prepare for an interview, business etiquette and what individual jobs entail. They also spend time with students away from the classroom, conducting mock panel interviews, touring Plant Farley, advising about the BEST robotics program and joining students at an etiquette luncheon each semester. "It's incredibly rewarding to spend time with these kids," said Ozark Engineer Manny Andino. "You never expect to connect with them all, but when you do make a connection it's great. I had the opportunity to spend time with the robotics team last semester. For the first time in Carroll High School history, their team made it to the regional competition in Auburn. Seeing their sense of accomplishment was awesome." Alabama Power employees helped the robotics team put together its BEST marketing plan and hone individual presentation skills. "We would never have been able to make the presentation as well as we did without the help from the communications specialists from Alabama Power," said senior Michael McAfee. "We were really happy to come in second in the district and go to regionals for the first time. Having the opportunities we have in the business academy helped a lot." Business education instructor Cindy Smith is impressed by the progress of her academy students. "I see more change in the business academy students than any other," Smith said. "I think this comes from professionals from the community coming in and spending time with them. The way they interact with these adults is far different by the end of each semester. There is more interaction, more eye contact, even their body language changes. This is a wonderful partnership that we appreciate and value very much." By Linda Brannon 5 Everybody's Business Southeast Division Area Manager John McLean frequently participates in academy classes. Andino speaks to Carroll High School students. Photos by Linda Brannon AL ABAM A POWER ACADEMY A BOOST FOR OZARK STUDENTS

• Cover