Last month, students, families, and community leaders gathered at RC Hatch and Francis Marion High Schools for a Community Day focused on helping residents access weatherization improvements and digital tools through Alabama Power and EdFarm learning hubs. The primary goal was to support enrollment in the Energy Savings Program (ESP) while advancing broader community resilience efforts. Alabama Resiliency Fund (ARF) investments to connect digital learning hubs designed and managed by EdFarm continue to demonstrate the impact strong partnerships can have in advancing communities.

The event brought together Alabama Power, the Alabama Resiliency Fund, EdFarm, the Alabama Digital Education Network, and ABC Trust to share resources, connect residents to services, and support ESP enrollment — a no-cost home weatherization initiative. Partners also highlighted access to digital resources available through the EdFarm learning hub, where community members can utilize the space for reliable internet, digital learning, and educational support.

Community members were able to begin and complete ESP enrollment steps onsite, reinforcing the event’s focus on turning awareness into action and connecting families directly to weatherization improvements. Participants also learned how to use Alabama Power’s digital tools to better manage their monthly energy usage.

“Through the Alabama Resiliency Fund, we’re working hand-in-hand with local communities to deliver weatherization and home energy improvements that make a lasting difference in comfort and affordability,” said Chase Burnham, Strategic Implementation project manager. “Events like this are important not just for sharing information, but for helping families take the next step by enrolling and accessing resources that can have a meaningful impact in their homes.”

Arnab Ghosal, vice president of Grid Transformation & Connectivity, added, “This effort highlights how weatherization and digital connectivity go hand in hand in building stronger, more resilient communities. By supporting home energy improvements through ESP and ensuring community access to digital resources through hubs like EdFarm, these partnerships are helping create a more connected and empowered future for Alabama families.”

The Community Day events demonstrated how strong partnerships and local engagement can drive meaningful impact — from home weatherization improvements to expanded access to digital resources — helping build more resilient communities across Alabama.