Georgia Power and 21st Century Leaders work to promote STEM careers

21st Century Leaders and Georgia Power recently hosted EarthCare, a leadership development program, for high school students who have an interest in environmental, STEM, or engineering careers. The annual week-long program held, June 9-14, 2024, at Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, exposed students to various environmental, sustainability and leadership challenges through interactive workshops, roundtable sessions with Georgia Power business leaders, team-building exercises and other professional development experiences. 
 
“We are proud to host EarthCare for the 7th year,” said Georgia Power Central Region Executive Patrick Harris.  “I was honored to meet and interact with inspirational youth from all over the state.  Leadership is not about age, but it’s about inspiring others through their actions and integrity.  We believe that our EarthCare students have the power to create a better future for all of us.” 

The program, fully funded through Georgia Power, is open to as many as one-hundred rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. During the week, students attended seminars and learned life skills such as networking, public speaking, and etiquette. This year’s itinerary included a field trip to Plant Vogtle nuclear power plant in East Georgia, and service projects that involved a cleanup at the Oconee River Greenway, assisting the local Food Pantry, and working with the Baldwin County Animal Shelter. Students worked throughout the week on the EarthCare Challenge and presented their proposed solutions during group presentations on Friday.  Rachel Williams, Georgia Power VP, Transmission, and a 21st Century Leaders Board Member, addressed students and parents during the leadership celebration to close the week. 

Daniela Byer Lopez, a rising senior at Northview High School, said “The lasting connections I've made with peers and counselors have enriched my personal and professional life, highlighting the importance of a strong network. Not to mention, at the end of the week, my team, The Aces, and I won 1st Place in the challenge we spent all week working.”

If a high school student is interested in future EarthCare programs they can find more information and sign up for updates at www.21stcenturyleaders.org.