Jackson EMC's Gwinnett District recently hosted members of the Safety & Science of Engineering Projects team, part of Georgia 4-H State Congress, so the students could see real-world science and technology that’s similar to projects the students did themselves.

Instructing the tour for the fourth year, Craig Roberts, Gwinnett District coordinator, engineering/operations lent his time and expertise to 10-15 extremely talented students from across the state who had competed to win at the state congress competition. They spent their day at the EMC enhancing their knowledge and skills of safety, electricity, engineering and technology with a program that included a company introduction, safety demonstration, systems control technology and hands-on tour of supplies and equipment.

“Programs require the support of the community to succeed, and that’s where Jackson EMC comes in,” said Andrea Burruss, Georgia 4-H Foundation annual giving coordinator. “Through hands-on guidance and instruction, we see these bright young people turn their concepts into reality. It’s as close to real-world as students can get.”

“I’m always interested in interacting with this group of students. They’re our future leaders and entrepreneurs. Exposing them to our business can help them in their future endeavors,” Roberts said. “We see this as an investment in the future workforce of Gwinnett and Northeast Georgia because some of these students come back home after completing their education and become the next generation of engineers at technology-driven companies like Jackson EMC.”

Georgia 4-H State Congress is an annual event celebrating the success and achievements of 4-H'ers in Georgia. Congress includes recognition of scholarships, special events, leadership, project winners, as well as tours, donor visits and other activities.

4-H is one of the largest youth development programs in our nation, and Jackson EMC’s involvement with the organization can be dated back to the late 1960s. Learn more about 4-H at www.georgia4hfoundation.org.