BIRMINGHAM - May 6, 2008 - A $2,500 grant from the Alabama Power Foundation provided hands-on science training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham for five Lowndes County educators in April.

The principal and three teachers from Jackson-Steele Elementary in Hayneville, along with Lowndes County Education Specialist Dr. Sonya Webb, were students themselves in a two-day workshop conducted by UAB’s Alabama Hands-on Activity Science Program.

The five educators were immersed in The Private Eye, a learning process that enhances higher order thinking skills.

“We are extremely appreciative of the support from the Alabama Power Foundation,” said Dr. Daniel Boyd, Lowndes County Superintendent of Education. “This program will go a long way to improve instruction and increase interest in science.”

The educators were teachers Shemekin McMeans, Breeon Fayson and Tony Rudolph; principal Samita Jeter and Webb. The group was taught by The Private Eye creators Kerry Ruef and David Melody, who conducted a series of workshops for the Alabama Hands-on Activity Science Program.

“We are glad to provide the opportunity for these educators to attend this workshop,” said Nancy Prater, education program manager for Alabama Power. “Our foundation’s goal is to make the state a better place to live. Supporting the educational process helps reach that goal.” 

“Our partners in business and industry tell us they need employees who solve problems, think creatively and work in teams,” said Beverly Radford, co-director of the Alabama Hands-on Activity Science Program. “The Private Eye develops the habits of mind that enable students to incorporate literacy and math, while learning science content and the secrets to developing higher order thinking skills.”

The Alabama Power Foundation works to improve the quality of life of Alabamians and strengthen the communities in which they live. Since 1990, the foundation has provided more than $100 million in grants to worthy projects across Alabama. Details about the foundation are available at www.alabamapowerfoundation.com.

Alabama Power, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO),
provides reliable, affordable electricity to more than 1.4 million customers across the state. Learn more about Alabama Power at www.alabamapower.com.

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Media Contact: Jan Ellis, (334) 832.3305, jsellis@southernco.com