I LOVE Science is looking for volunteers interested in leading monthly, one-hour hands-on science activities in fifth-grade classrooms during the 2013-2014 school year.

The I LOVE Science (Increasing Local Opportunities for Volunteers Enthusiastic about Science) program partners volunteers with classroom teachers in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties to help conduct science lessons and coordinate hands-on activities.

Gulf Power Company, the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC), former state Rep. Holly Benson and the Escambia and Santa Rosa County School Districts created the program in 2006 to increase the frequency of hands-on science activities in local schools, to inspire future scientists and to improve FCAT science scores.

Research shows that participation in hands-on activities increases students’ interest in and knowledge of science.

"Volunteer involvement really encourages students to get excited about science, which can lead to more students choosing a science-focused career," said Jennifer Grove, Gulf Power’s Workforce Development coordinator. “Through this program, we are all working together to build Northwest Florida’s future workforce.”

To volunteer for an Escambia County school, please contact Nancy Stanley at nstanley@escambia.k12.fl.us or 850-439-2623. To volunteer at a school in Santa Rosa County, contact Wes Underwood at atunderwoodw@mail.santarosa.k12.fl.us or 850-983-5051. Volunteers may choose any school in either county or let the program coordinators help them choose.

For more information visit http://www.ihmc.us/ilovescience.php.

Gulf Power Company is an investor-owned electric utility with all of its common stock owned by Atlanta-based Southern Company. Gulf Power serves more than 430,000 customers in eight counties throughout Northwest Florida. The company’s mission is to safely provide exceptional customer value by delivering reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible electricity while strengthening our communities. Visit online at GulfPower.com or on the company’s Facebook page, “Gulf Power Company.”

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