Alabama companies partner to give elementary students a Summer immersed in science

(Video Above: Students at Avondale Elementary participate in the SEEK program)
By Allison Westlake

School may be out for the summer, but few would know it walking the halls of Avondale Elementary School.

Laughter and cheers are heard from one classroom, while another classroom of students sits quietly listening to a team of college mentors. While this is technically not summer school, students are engaging in summer learning that many anticipate could shape success in both their academic and professional careers.

For three weeks, 150 third- to fifth-graders have participated in the Summer Engineering Experience for Kids (SEEK). Through a partnership with Alabama Power, Harbert International and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), SEEK is fun and engaging, but also educational.

The full-day program is free to participants, offering breakfast and lunch to each student. SEEK students strengthen their STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills through hands-on engineering projects, presentations and competitions.

Each week has culminated in a design and physical competition day where students present the projects and toys they have spent the week building while learning STEM concepts.

“Summer learning is crucial for students to retain and advance their knowledge from one school year to the next,” said John Hudson, Alabama Power Foundation president. “SEEK is an excellent example of the quality summer learning programs we support through our Brighter Minds education initiative.”

At the kickoff on June 15, Alabama Power Vice President of Human Resources Jonathan Porter greeted parents and encouraged students.

“One of the problems our country is facing is a lack of graduates in the STEM arena. We want to have a pipeline of students today who can become the next engineers, doctors and scientists of tomorrow,” said Porter.

“Alabama Power is proud to partner along with Harbert International as we recruit engineers for the city of Birmingham. Engineers are problem-solvers and the students in this program have a great opportunity to have fun while learning about STEM,” Porter added.

A team of dedicated employees from Alabama Power, Southern Company and NSBE professionals dedicated months of planning and served countless hours during the program to make SEEK a success.

The program was led by Angele Monconduit, a NSBE lifetime member, and coordinated by key planning members Reginald Murchison and Louise Duncan.

Alabama Power Service Organization volunteers with the Magic City chapter have dedicated their time throughout the three-week session. Volunteers have served as judges for the competition and helped serve lunch to the students.

“It has been a great experience to watch the enthusiasm of the students and how well they work together in teams,” said Maria Grammas, an APSO volunteer and Public Relations employee. “There has been so much excitement and enthusiasm amongst the students. It has been really rewarding to serve as a volunteer for this program.”

The program teaches students the roles and responsibilities of engineers. NSBE-affiliated college students and technical professionals traveled from across the United States to teach the classes and mentor the students. Jade Olivia Patton, an NSBE member and recent graduate of Howard University, is the Birmingham site director for SEEK.

Patton, who recently graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education, Communication and Speech Language Pathology, agrees the program helps open the door for students’ future careers in STEM.

“Exposing students at such an early age gives them the confidence and motivation they need to get interested in STEM and take those skills to go forward. They see that STEM is fun and that they are more than capable. Starting here will enable them to grow those skills and confidence throughout their careers,” said Patton.

This is the first year for SEEK in Alabama, which is having an impact the community is already seeing.

“We have been so excited for the opportunity to have the program at Avondale,” said Principal Courtney Nelson. “Students from all over Birmingham are learning with us, and through this program we are exposed to different educators and professionals. We have college graduates, college students, business professionals from all over the United States giving our students an opportunity to look outside of their bubble and see that there is science everywhere.”