POWERGRAMS

6 School was out for the summer, but few would have known it walking the halls of Birmingham's Avondale Elementary School in July. Laughter and cheers were heard from one classroom, while another classroom of students sat quietly listening to a team of college mentors. While it wasn't technically summer school, students were engaged in learning that many anticipate could shape success in their academic and professional careers. For three weeks, 150 third- to fifth-graders participated in the Summer Engineering Experience for Kids (SEEK) through a partnership of Alabama Power, Harbert International and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). SEEK is fun and engaging, but also educational. The free, full-day program provided breakfast and lunch to each student. SEEK students strengthened their STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills through hands-on engineering projects, presentations and competitions. Each week culminated in a design and physical competition day in which students presented the projects they had spent the week building while learning STEM. "Summer learning is crucial for students to retain and advance their knowledge from one school year to the next," said John Hudson, Alabama Power Foundation president. "SEEK is an excellent example of the quality summer learning programs we support through our Brighter Minds education initiative." At the kickoff on June 15, Alabama Power Vice President of Human Resources Jonathan Porter greeted parents and encouraged students. "One of the problems our country is facing is a lack of graduates in the STEM arena. We want to have a pipeline of students today who can become the next engineers, doctors and scientists of tomorrow," said Porter. "Alabama Power is proud to partner along with Harbert International as we recruit engineers for the city of Birmingham. Engineers are problem-solvers and the students in this program have a great opportunity to have fun while learning about STEM," Porter added. The program was led by Angele Monconduit, assistant to the executive vice president, and coordinated by Metering Services Manager Reginald Murchison and Technical Leads Manager Louise Duncan. Alabama Power Service Organization volunteers with the Magic City chapter dedicated their time throughout the three-week session. They were judges for the competitions and helped serve lunch to the students. "It has been a great experience to watch the enthusiasm of the students and how well they work together in teams," said Maria Grammas, an APSO volunteer and Public Relations assistant. "There has been so much excitement and enthusiasm amongst the students. It has been really rewarding to serve as a volunteer for this program." NSBE-affiliated college students and technical professionals traveled from across the United States to teach students the roles and responsibilities of engineers. Jade Olivia Patton, an NSBE member and graduate of Howard University, was the Birmingham SEEK site director. Patton, who recently graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education, Communication and Speech Language Pathology, agrees the program helps open the door for careers in STEM. "Exposing students at such an early age gives them the confidence and motivation they need to get interested in STEM and take those skills to go forward," said Patton. "They see that STEM is fun and that they are more than capable. Starting here will enable them to grow those skills and confidence throughout their careers." This is the first year for SEEK in Alabama. "We have been so excited for the opportunity to have the program at Avondale," said Principal Courtney Nelson. "Students from all over Birmingham are learning with us, and through this program we are exposed to different educators and professionals. We have college graduates, college students and business professionals from all over the United States giving our students an opportunity to look outside of their bubble and see that there is science everywhere." By Allison Westlake Foundation sponsors sessions for students who SEEK STEM EDUCATION About 150 students took part in the three-week program at Avondale Elementary School. Alabama Power sponsored SEEK. Photos by Christopher Jones

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