SWEPCO Announces Jarvis Christian College and Wiley College in $1Mil Grant From The AEP Foundation

Historically Black Colleges Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas and Wiley College in Marshall, Texas have been awarded generous amounts of grants for the upcoming school year. Last week, Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO) announced that the American Electric Power Foundation has awarded a $250,000 grant to Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas and $250,000 to Wiley College in Marshall, Texas. The gifts are part of the foundation’s Delivering on the Dream: Social and Racial Justice grant program, which is a five-year, $5 million commitment to fund organizations with programs dedicated to advancing social and racial justice in communities served by SWEPCO’s parent company, American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP).

Delivering on the Dream is a new initiative created to direct funds to programs addressing systemic racism and injustice. The company also is encouraging its workforce to make personal commitments as allies and to act as catalysts for change.

“Diversity, equity and inclusion continue to be critical components of our company culture, but the past year has proven we still have work to do, both at AEP and in our communities,” said Janelle Coleman, vice president, Philanthropy and Community Engagement, and president of the AEP Foundation.

“The Delivering on the Dream grant program puts our words into action. AEP and its Foundation are proud to partner with these organizations dedicated to empowering equity for our customers, neighbors and employees of color.”

Jarvis Christian College will use the funds to develop and implement a Summer Science Academy for 9th to 12th graders to expand the pipeline of minority students who pursue STEM degrees at the college. Wiley College will utilize the $250,000 gift to improve its STEM academic program, including renovating its science building, updating the campus internet network and improving its STEM curriculum. The grant also will help update campus safety and security through lighting and emergency communication enhancements.

“These grants from the AEP Foundation will enable SUSLA, Wiley College and Jarvis Christian College to expand their STEM programming, creating more opportunities for minority students to excel in school and beyond,” said Malcolm Smoak, president and chief operating officer of SWEPCO, that provides funding to the AEP Foundation. “SWEPCO also is dedicated to building brighter futures for the communities where we live and work and remains committed to advancing justice and equity for our neighbors of color.”

The other organizations to receive funds include: the YWCA Columbus, the Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation, the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, and Youth Services of Tulsa.