Georgia Power announced that for the sixth consecutive year it has joined with the nonprofit organization Voices for Georgia's Children, as well as other notable Georgia businesses, to support the ninth annual Georgia Pre-K Week across the state, Oct. 7-11.

During the weeklong celebration, Pre-K centers open their doors to elected officials, business and community leaders and invite them to experience firsthand the high-quality education taking place in classrooms every day. In 2018, Georgia Power employees read to more than 92 Pre-K classes and reached approximately 2,000 students as a part of Pre-K week. Georgia Power leaders also have the opportunity to tour the centers and read to students.

"Reading is fundamental to future academic success, and reading programs, such as the Georgia Pre-K Week, provide a great opportunity to increase awareness for the importance of quality early education," said Paul Bowers, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power. "We believe education is foundational to building a bright future for our state and that's why we are committed to strengthening academic performance in Georgia, specifically in the area of STEM education."

"The support of public and private organizations sends a powerful statement to the community about the value of quality early learning," said Dr. Erica Fener Sitkoff, executive director of Voices for Georgia's Children. "Over the past six years, Georgia Power has played a vital role in providing our students with a solid start by raising awareness for the early education of Georgia's children."