The Alabama Power Foundation and BL Harbert International are proud to announce the start of the Summer Engineering Experience for Kids (SEEK) at Birmingham’s Avondale Elementary School. A ceremony kicking off the program begins at 8 a.m. Monday, June 15.

Sponsored by the National Society for Black Engineers (NSBE), SEEK is designed to be fun and engaging, but also educational. During the course of the program, about 150 Birmingham students will take on engineering projects. The program culminates with presentations, as well as design and physical competitions.

"We are very excited to offer this program to the students in Birmingham,” said SEEK Director Franklin Moore. “This is an excellent opportunity for them to become fully engaged with STEM concepts by participating in hands-on engineering activities."

SEEK participants will strengthen their STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills through hands-on projects, and learn about the roles and responsibilities of engineers with NSBE-affiliated college students and technical professionals.

“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.” To learn more about Alabama Power Foundation programs, visit www.powerofgood.com.

“BL Harbert International is honored to partner with an organization that exposes students to engineering and construction at an early age,” said Billy Harbert, chairman and chief executive officer of BL Harbert International. “Growing up, my father exposed me to problem-solving, and that is what BL Harbert wishes to do with the SEEK program.”