ASHLAND, Ky. – The American Electric Power (AEP) Foundation recently announced $36,000 in grant awards that support equitable educational opportunities for students interested in enrolling in the lineworker certificate program at one of three Kentucky Technical and Community College System schools. The grants were recommended by Kentucky Power, reinforcing a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in those programs.
Kentucky Power crew assists in training ACTC lineworker program students.
Ashland, Big Sandy and Hazard community and technical colleges will each receive $12,000 grants specifically designated for line school scholarships in effort to encourage participation in the electrical industry. The grants provide a total of 18 scholarships, available over the next three years, to support the costs of tuition, books, fees and tools needed to participate in the lineworker certificate program.
Kentucky Power has partnered with each college in the past through previously awarded scholarship opportunities, training assistance and equipment donations to support student learning.
"We believe it’s important to support the next generation of line workers and students interested in our industry,” said Amy Elliott, Kentucky Power’s vice president of external affairs and customer service. “Because utilities across the country are competing for line crew employees, our goal is to see these scholarships help boost our workforce by providing an opportunity for students to find a job close to their homes here in eastern Kentucky.”
Kentucky Power lineman, Levi Howard, demonstrates manual pole setting for ACTC lineworker program students.
The American Electric Power Foundation is funded by American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) and its operating subsidiaries. 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 AEP’s 11-state service area. As an independent, non-profit philanthropic organization, the Foundation is funded solely by AEP through shareholder dollars.
The Foundation focuses on improving lives through education from early childhood through higher education in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math; by meeting basic needs for emergency shelter, affordable housing and the elimination of hunger; and championing social and racial justice. Other Foundation support may be offered to protect the environment, promote healthcare and safety, and enrich life through art, music and cultural heritage.