Mississippi Power employees inspire next generation of STEM leaders

Gulfport, Miss. - Mississippi Power employees recently encouraged the next generation of STEM leaders at the 10th annual C-Spire Coding Challenge, hosted at the Mississippi Children’s Museum-Meridian. The event brought together 10 teams of fourth-grade students from local schools to compete in a robotics challenge, showcasing their coding skills and creativity.

“It’s fascinating to know that young students in our area are utilizing AI in their classrooms and putting their coding skills to the test,” said Market Specialist Derron Radcliff. “They’re not just learning to code — they’re learning to think critically and solve problems in new ways. That’s the kind of innovation we are proud to foster in our communities.”

The Mississippi Power team served as judges alongside representatives from Mississippi State University, Meridian Community College and East Mississippi Electric Power Association. The teams were evaluated on their ability to code a robot to navigate a maze, as well as the creativity and presentation of their solutions.

This year’s challenge introduced a new layer of innovation: students began using AI software to assist with coding, unlocking new possibilities for their presentations. From voice-activated commands to animated storytelling, the integration of AI added excitement and a new flair to the competition.

“It was incredible to see how quickly these students picked up coding concepts and applied them in such creative ways,” said Engineer Haley Van Drunen. “Their excitement and curiosity were contagious, and we enjoyed supporting them.”

Employee participation in events like this reflects the company’s commitment to empowering young minds and preparing them for tomorrow’s opportunities. Mississippi Power is proud to support STEM education and community engagement initiatives that help build a brighter future across the state.

Now in its 100th year of service, Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), produces safe, reliable and affordable energy for more than 192,000 customers in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. Mississippi Power is proud to be an industry leader in safety and reliability. The company was recognized in 2024 by the Southeastern Electric Exchange for the Top Safety Performance in its generation category. For outstanding storm response, the company has also been honored by the Edison Electric Institute multiple times with an Emergency Response Award. Visit our website at mississippipower.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

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