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Submitted by Teresa McWain
This is the most recent article in our series "Education for a Sustainable Future". For more articles, go to http://www.csrwire.com/blog/series/86-education-for-a-sustainable-future/posts
The American Electric Power Foundation is helping introduce middle and high school students to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) careers they otherwise may never consider.
The program, called Credits CountSM, makes college more affordable and helps students earn college credits toward a degree or job-ready certificate in fields such as information technology, engineering, energy and other disciplines while still in high school.
The program’s goals are to eliminate barriers to higher education for urban and rural students and expose students to STEM careers they might be unaware of or simply overlook. In middle school, the program introduces students to STEM-related careers. At the high school level, Credits Counts pays for college readiness testing; summer bridge programs to prepare students to take college-level courses; ongoing tutoring and dual-enrollment in high school and community college. Scholarships may be awarded to select students to complete an associate’s degree. Through Credits Count, students can earn at least 12 college credits before high school graduation.
The AEP Foundation, a 501(c-3) public charity created by Columbus, Ohio-based American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP), has awarded grants totaling $10.2 million to community colleges in Columbus, Ohio; Bossier City, Louisiana; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Ashland, Kentucky, since launching the program in fall 2013. The five-year grants are expected to reach nearly 5,000 students.
According to AEP Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and Foundation Chairman Nicholas K. Akins, “Barriers such as the cost of tuition keep students from pursuing higher education and reaching their career aspirations. Our goal is to help those kids become fully prepared to graduate from high school ready for a career or to earn a college degree.”
Credits Count targets the “ordinary” student who has the potential to succeed. “Given the proper support, guidance and opportunities, young people can move through post-secondary education toward a certificate or degree and a promising career,” Akins said. “We’re working to help support the next generation of critical thinkers and to help inspire meaningful change one student at a time.”
The American Electric Power Foundation is funded by American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) and its utility operating units. The Foundation provides a permanent, ongoing resource for charitable initiatives involving higher dollar values and multi-year commitments in the communities served by AEP and initiatives outside of AEP’s 11-state service area.
This is the most recent article in our series "Education for a Sustainable Future". For more articles, go to http://www.csrwire.com/blog/series/86-education-for-a-sustainable-future/posts
