In 2021, 166 organizations across Southwestern Electric Power Company's service territory received approximately $1.83 million from the American Electric Power Foundation and SWEPCO, including three historically black colleges as part of a social and racial justice initiative.
The Delivering on the Dream: Social and Racial Justice grant program was started in 2021 to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion in local communities. Through this initiative, Southern University in Shreveport Foundation in Shreveport, La.; Wiley College in Marshall, Texas; and Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas, each received $250,000 to provide new academic opportunities for students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). SWEPCO has a long history of supporting programs that benefit minority communities in our service territory.
The AEP Foundation is focused on improving lives through education from early childhood through higher education in the areas of STEM, and by meeting basic needs for emergency shelter, affordable housing, and the elimination of hunger. The foundation is funded by AEP and its utility operating units, including SWEPCO. In 2021, the AEP Foundation donated approximately $35.1 million to 1,500 community organizations.
A snapshot of organizations supported in 2021
Arkansas:
- Rogers Development Foundation
- Sevier County Medical Center Foundation
- City of Texarkana
- Hope Cancer Resources
- Children’s Advocacy Center of Benton County, Northsong Wild Bird Rehabilitation, and Northwest Arkansas Food Bank
Louisiana:
- The Arc Caddo-Bossier
- Caddo Career & Technology Center Foundation
- Shriners Hospital for Children
- The Hub Urban Ministries
- Barksdale Forward, Inc.
Texas:
- Texas State Technical College
- Blue Santa Project
- Casa Love Them to Life, Inc.
- Combat Warriors
- Kilgore College
Volunteerism and Community Involvement
As community events started again and COVID-19 restrictions lifted, SWEPCO employees safely participated in various volunteer opportunities across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. SWEPCO employees volunteered 672.5 hours in 2021.
Some events where employees volunteered their time include:
- Make A Difference Day
- Mudbug Madness Festival
- Let the Good Times Roll Festival
- Tri Lakes Big Bass Festival
- BERG Back to School Supply Drive
If you would like to learn more about AEP and SWEPCO’s community support efforts, please read our Community Connections Report at https://aep.com/community/reports.