High school students thankful for internship opportunity at Southern Company

<p>Throughout the 2016-2017 school year, Southern Company Services was fortunate to have four high school interns support the Technology Organization, Human Resources and Corporate Communications departments: ninth grader Melvin Gonazlez-Deleon, tenth grader Amani Clark, ninth grader Angelica Castolo and eleventh grader Rodneisha Felton. Each intern contributed their talents five days a month. When they weren’t working, they were attending class at Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School where the curriculum focuses on college prep and features a corporate work study program.</p>
<p>Before heading on summer break, this year’s interns wrapped up their corporate work study with a group presentation to their supervisors and Cristo Rey leaders. They highlighted their growth and described how their school’s “Grad at Grad Values” – work experienced, committed to justice, loving, intellectually competent and open to growth – compare to Southern’s values. The students also shared how they gained confidence in their abilities and an understanding for teamwork and other skills that will benefit them in school and in life.</p>
<p>Since 2014, Southern Company has partnered with Cristo Rey to offer internships as part of a corporate work study program, which is designed to help students understand the value of their education and prepare for a future career by working in a corporate setting with other professionals. Students not only learn valuable skills, but that work also helps fund their school tuition.</p>
<p>Late last year, Southern Company, Georgia Power and Southern Company Gas jointly contributed $105,000 to Cristo Rey’s capital campaign for a new school building. The campaign was a success and students will return to school in the fall at their new building, located at 222 Piedmont Avenue.</p>