A pollution-free motorcycle engine designed by an all-girl team of middle schoolers is just one way Georgia Transmission is driving the future economic engine of local communities across the state.

With a statewide shortage forecast for workers trained in engineering and technology fields, Georgia Transmission joined forces with Tucker Middle School in Tucker, Georgia, to empower students to become innovators and technologically-proficient problem-solvers.  This partnership helped the school secure its status as the first middle school in Georgia to earn STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) certification. And it builds a skilled future workforce for Georgia Transmission to keep the lights on for businesses across the state.

Through the STEM program, students gain knowledge to identify key concepts that are a critical part of a 21st century economy. Georgia Transmission’s Angela Battle and her all-girl team of Tucker Middle School students designed a pollution-free motorcycle engine using an air-compressor motor, earning the school a $10,000 award from the Lexus Eco Challenge.

The Tucker Middle School STEM program features a specialized, hands-on curriculum with accelerated courses, including Carnegie-level math, science, and technology, as well as scientific research that culminates in a comprehensive 8th-grade project.  In addition to the Lexus Eco Challenge, students have worked alongside Georgia Transmission associates on various, simulated projects focusing on planning and routing electric power lines. Through these exercises, they are learning about the significant research and expertise that goes into selecting transmission line routes that meet electric needs while mindfully considering community concerns. The Technology Association of Georgia validated Georgia Transmission’s efforts with the Corporate Outreach STEM Education Award in 2017.

Discovering STEM-related interests and passions at an early age may help determine career paths. Georgia Transmission believes many of today’s students will step into the roles needed to plan, build, and maintain the power grid that lights homes and business for millions of Georgians, leaving the legacy of light in good hands.