The following news release was issued by NorthWest Arkansas Community College:
BENTONVILLE, AR (March 17, 2020) – NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) was recently awarded a $100,000 grant by the American Electric Power Foundation. The grant will support NWACC’s skilled trades workforce training, safety, resources and placement programs.
The AEP Foundation is funded by American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) and its utility operating units, including Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO), which serves approximately 119,000 customers in Arkansas.
"This generous grant from the AEP Foundation will greatly enhance our ability to create opportunities for safe, well-trained workers to enter skilled trades," said NWACC President Dr. Evelyn Jorgenson. "It will provide equipment for our Apprenticeship and Construction Technology programs, specifically in surveying, specialized metalworking, carpentry and prototyping. And it will provide scholarships and crucial OSHA safety training at no cost to students."
Jeff Milford, SWEPCO external affairs manager in Fayetteville, said, “NWACC is making a real difference with its workforce training programs, which is a vital need as our region continues to experience tremendous economic growth. We are excited to present this grant to NWACC on behalf of the American Electric Power Foundation.”
About the AEP Foundation
The American Electric Power (AEP) 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.
The AEP Foundation focuses on improving lives through education from early childhood through higher education in the areas of science, technology, engineering, math and the environment and by meeting basic needs for emergency shelter, affordable housing and the elimination of hunger. Other foundation support may be offered to protect the environment, support healthcare and safety, and enrich life through art, music and cultural heritage. The AEP Foundation is based in Columbus, Ohio.
About NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC):
NWACC is an accredited, public two-year institution that serves and strengthens its surrounding communities by helping students maximize their potential and exceed expectations. With state-of-the-art facilities, NWACC provides excellent academic instruction, workforce training and personalized attention from highly respected faculty, staff and administrators. For more information about NWACC, visit www.nwacc.edu
CONTACTS:
Liz Kapsner
PR Communications & Marketing Content
NorthWest Arkansas Community College
479-936-5143 | ekapsner@nwacc.edu
Peter Main
SWEPCO Corporate Communications
479-973-2526