Nine FFA chapters in eastern Oklahoma are receiving a share of more than $25,000 after being named recipients of this year’s American Electric Power Foundation FFA STEM After-School grants.
The AEP Foundation is the charitable arm of American Electric Power, parent company of Tulsa-based electric provider, Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO). The grant program is made possible through a partnership between PSO and the Oklahoma FFA Foundation.
Since 2018, the AEP Foundation and PSO have awarded grants now totaling more than $85,000 to state FFA chapters to fund a wide range of programs and activities that are helping advance agricultural education, foster innovation and inspire success. Earlier this year, the AEP Foundation announced a $200,000 grant to fund the program for another five years.
This year, grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 were awarded to FFA chapters in Allen-Byng, Bartlesville, Jay, Ketchum, Locust Grove, South Coffeyville, Oologah-Talala, Vinita and Welch.
“We’re excited to continue our partnership with FFA to offer hands-on, STEM-related education to students in the areas we serve,” said Tiffini Jackson, PSO Vice President – External Affairs. “These grants will help students learn technical and critical thinking skills that can help set them on a rewarding career path.”
Grant applications were submitted earlier this summer, with priority given to applications that benefit more than one chapter and that are sustainable over multiple years.
“There are many of our chapters who are limited to learning about technology via the internet and what they see on a screen. We are so excited about these grants that will give chapters the opportunity to have technology at their fingertips,” said Jacey Fye, Oklahoma FFA Foundation executive director. “Having equipment in their programs – and sharing among programs – will allow students hands-on learning with real life technology being used in the agricultural industry.”
About the AEP Foundation
The American Electric Power Foundation is funded by American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) and its utility operating units, including Public Service Company of Oklahoma. 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.
The Foundation focuses on improving lives through education from early childhood education through higher education in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math 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 PSO
PSO, a unit of American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP), is an electric utility company serving more than 557,000 customer accounts in eastern and southwestern Oklahoma. Based in Tulsa, PSO owns approximately 3,800 megawatts of generating capacity fueled primarily by natural gas. It also maintains and operates 22,000 miles of distribution lines, 3,700 miles of transmission lines and is one of the largest distributors of wind energy in the state. News releases and other information is at www.PSOklahoma.com. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @PSOklahoma.
About FFA
FFA is an integral part of the Agricultural Education division in the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education system. With more than 27,000 members and 360 chapters, the Oklahoma FFA Association is the fourth-largest state FFA association. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. To learn more about the Oklahoma FFA, visit www.okffa.org.
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