Southern Energy Credit Union proudly partnered with Georgia Power Company and Atlanta Gas Light Workforce Development in support of their Work-Based Learning (WBL) Program, an initiative designed to equip Georgia high school students with real-world career experience and essential life skills.
Through this established program, 20–30 students receive temporary employment opportunities across Southern Company while participating in weekly sessions focused on career readiness. Since January 2026, participants in the 2025–2026 program have engaged with leaders across the organization to build skills in project management, communication, professionalism, leadership, and financial literacy.
As part of its role in supporting the program, Southern Energy delivered a series of monthly financial education sessions designed to help students build a strong financial foundation. Topics included The Psychology of Money, Managing Credit, and Investing Basics, with a final Q&A session allowing students to apply what they’ve learned and explore their own financial goals.
To bring these lessons to life, program leaders Nikia Johnson and Wilkin Lara Mateo challenged students to save $500 by April 24. The goal transformed financial literacy from a concept into action by encouraging students to make intentional, real-world financial decisions each week.
The results reflected both the students’ commitment and the power of experiential learning, with students saving more than $17,000 during the program challenge.
To further support their efforts, Southern Energy matched savings contributions up to $500 per participating student, reinforcing the importance of consistency, discipline, and long-term financial habits.
The program culminated on May 1, 2026, in Atlanta, where students delivered final presentations showcasing the skills and experiences they developed throughout the year. Southern Energy joined Georgia Power and Atlanta Gas Light leadership in celebrating the students’ achievements and announcing the results of the savings challenge.
“Showing up for these students reinforces the connection between education and industry and shows our learners that their work is valued at the highest level,” said Nikia Johnson, Workforce Development Specialist for Georgia Power.
“These students didn’t just learn about money; they took ownership of it. They proved that strong financial habits are built through intentional choices, week after week,” said Caitlin Brothers, External Affairs Manager and program lead for Southern Energy Credit Union.
Brothers continued, “Partnerships like this matter because they give students more than knowledge; they build confidence. Confidence to plan, to save, and to know their future is something they can actively shape.”
Southern Energy, Georgia Power, and Atlanta Gas Light share a commitment to investing in the next generation by bridging career development with financial empowerment, not just through education, but through practical, real-world experience.
“Work-Based Learning connects classroom learning to real-world experience by allowing students to apply academic skills in professional settings. The program allows students to earn, learn, and build valuable skills while actively contributing to a team and problem solving. It prepares students for life after graduation, whether that’s college, the workforce or both, by helping them see opportunities and confidently pursue them,” said Wilkin Lara Mateo, Workforce Development Manager for Atlanta Gas Light.
Southern Energy Credit Union looks forward to continuing its support of initiatives that empower young people to achieve financial success on their own terms.
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