Learning Power Inspires Georgia’s Future Workforce

Learning Power, Georgia Power’s signature energy efficiency curriculum, reached a major milestone recently, celebrating the one millionth student mark. Mrs. Jamie Holland’s 8th grade science class at Elbert County Middle School in Elberton, Georgia marked this important milestone. On the journey to engaging one million students, Learning Power has lit up 56,000 solar panels, built 226,000 circuits and melted 186,000 cubes of ice to demonstrate energy theories in classrooms across the state.

Available for Pre-K through high school, Learning Power lessons and experiments are designed to boost creativity, problem solving and critical thinking. Since inception in 2011, Learning Power has delivered interactive lessons in 170 Georgia school districts.

The Path to Successful STEM Careers

In addition to learning about energy and energy efficiency, Learning Power also introduces students to exciting STEM career opportunities. ““Georgia Power is bringing STEM enrichment to classrooms to foster innovation and curiosity,” explains Joseph Lillyblad, Director, Education & Workforce Development. “And we know that increasing awareness of 21st century STEM careers among students has never been more important. We have expanded our reach through digital channels, summer engagement and at-home experiments, ensuring that diverse students are exposed to STEM concepts and related, high-demand careers.”

Throughout the 2020s, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects more than 1,000,000 STEM jobs will have been added, with an average wage of $95,420 compared to a non-STEM average wage of $45,760. And because STEM industries are a major driver for Georgia’s economy, supporting 61 percent of jobs and 66 percent of the state’s GDP, students pursuing postsecondary degrees and credentials in STEM-related fields are well positioned for the job market.

Preparing our Future Workforce

Consider Georgia’s electric vehicle (EV) industry. From 2018-2022, the EV sector brought nearly 20,000 jobs and $14 billion in capital investment to the state. The state has laid the foundations for an EV ecosystem that has already attracted multibillion-dollar companies involved in the production, recycling and development of EV batteries. Georgia has long been a leader in the auto manufacturing industry which has over 200 automotive-related facilities and contributes more than $3B annually to the state’s economy.

“We’re supporting educators as they prepare the 110,000 public school students who graduate each year for the workforce or postsecondary learning. Because Georgia continues to attract industries needing STEM talent, building a future-ready workforce is a win-win for our citizens and the state’s economy,” notes Lillyblad.

To learn more about Learning Power resources and impact, visit learningpower.org.