Georgia Power announced today that it is celebrating national Nuclear Science Week again this year by hosting and participating in a series of special local events in and around the company's Plant Vogtle near Waynesboro, Ga. The annual celebration is organized to draw attention to all aspects of nuclear science and the vital role it plays in the lives of Americans, as well as encourage education and highlight the energy careers of tomorrow. The week is especially poignant in Georgia as the construction of Plant Vogtle units 3 and 4 continues to progress, employing more than 5,000 workers currently as the largest job-producing project in the state. 

According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), nearly 20 percent of the nation's electricity is currently generated from nuclear power plants. With more than 60 new nuclear units currently under construction around the world and nuclear energy poised to play a critical role in the face of increasing pressure from environmental regulation in the U.S.,  Nuclear Science Week provides a valuable week-long opportunity for local students to explore the various elements of nuclear science and consider future careers.

Throughout the week, representatives from Georgia Power, as well as Southern Nuclear, will attend events and panel discussions throughout Augusta, Ga. and Aiken, S.C. The companies are also presenting several educational opportunities for local students in Augusta and nearby at Plant Vogtle. 

• STEM Career Connections Day (Thursday, Oct. 23): No-cost event for regional high school juniors and seniors considering a career pathway that involves science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills.  During the forum, students, teachers, guidance counselors and career specialists will interact with current professionals in nuclear technology and other high-tech industries while learning about "hot" career topics. Registration required. Kroc Center, 1833 Broad St., Augusta, Ga. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Plant Vogtle Site Visits (Monday, Oct. 20 and Friday, Oct. 24): No-cost events offering local middle and high school students the opportunity to view the day-to-day operations of the facility, ways technology is at work and interact with young professionals currently working in the nuclear industry. Registration required.  

Georgia Power places a year-round focus on education at both of its nuclear facilities, Plant Vogtle and Plant Hatch near Baxley. The company reaches thousands of students and teachers each year through an extensive public education and engagement program. Since 2007, approximately 80,000 people have learned about nuclear energy through programs and events coordinated by the plants.  

To learn more about Nuclear Science Week, visit www.nuclearscienceweek.org/. For more information about events in Georgia and at Plant Vogtle, visit www.srscro.org/national-nuclear-science-week.