SMITHS STATION, Ala. - Jul 24, 2007 - A $1,000 contribution from the Alabama Power Foundation will help send 20 to 30 Smiths Station High School students to Montgomery to compete in the Jobs for Alabama’s Graduates (JAG) program this coming school year.
JAG is a high school elective course that teaches 37 “competencies” for getting a job, such as resume writing, appearance, interviewing, leadership and self-development. The course includes a year-long follow-up by the school’s JAG career specialist, who visits graduates once every month on the job.

The Alabama Power Foundation contribution to the Lee County Board of Education will defray meal costs and other expenses during the JAG competition in April 2008. Students from 22 Alabama high schools will vie in areas such as public speaking and interviews. There will also be a “JAG Bowl,” an essay contest, and a scrapbook competition.

Since 2005, the Alabama Power Foundation has contributed $2,150 to JAG.

“Getting this from the Alabama Power Foundation has helped tremendously during the years,” said Johnny DiChiara, JAG career specialist at Smiths Station. “Otherwise, I have to resort to fund-raising during the school year. I can’t express enough appreciation to the Alabama Power Foundation.”

“The Alabama Power Foundation is in the business of making life better for all Alabamians,” said Titus Lindsey, manager of Alabama Power’s Auburn Business Office. “Helping our education system is part of it, and supporting the JAG program is certainly a step toward doing this in Lee County.”

For more information about the JAG program, contact DiChiara at (334)-298-0969.

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.