ATLANTA, Sept. 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power announced today that its signature energy education program, Learning Power, is returning to Georgia classrooms for the fifth consecutive year. Since its inception in 2011, Learning Power has engaged nearly 275,000 students in 11,000 classrooms statewide while enhancing the classroom experience for students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

The education program provides a customized curriculum and materials at no cost to schools with education coordinators presenting STEM-related lessons highlighting energy basics such as simple circuits and energy efficiency, in addition to activities that help students understand how energy is made and distributed.  When surveyed, 96 percent of teachers believed the curriculum helped them meet the Georgia Performance Standards for science and shared that Learning Power was very effective at educating students about energy efficiency.

"The Learning Power program, due largely to a hands-on approach and engaging content, has been tremendously effective in helping students develop fundamental skills in the STEM areas while learning to be more energy efficient," said Michele Wagner, energy efficiency director for Georgia Power. "As part of our commitment to the community, our overall education strategy is designed to help Georgia students succeed in the classroom and prepare them to become the leaders of tomorrow as part of a highly-skilled Georgia workforce." 

In addition to classroom programming, the Learning Power program has produced and published four books focused on energy education, including Power Savers – The Adventures of Savvy and Squander; Joining the Watt Squad – The Adventures of Savvy and Squander; Savvy and Squander Learn How to Make and Save Electricity with Dr. E; and Savvy and Squander Saving Energy with Emerald and Dr. E.

Georgia Power's commitment to education spans its more than 100-year history and is emphasized companywide. In addition to Learning Power, Georgia Power offers online resources for educators including interactive diagrams, an online energy calculator, access to power plant tours and more. Other efforts to enhance and improve education in Georgia include partnerships with groups such as Junior Achievement and assistance grants for new teachers awarded annually across the state. For more information about Georgia Power's initiatives and programs, visit www.georgiapower.com/education.  

About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), one of the nation's largest generators of electricity.  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, 21st century coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind.  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).

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150916/267137
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20050216/CLW066LOGO

SOURCE Georgia Power