BLUEFIELD, WV (LOOTPRESS)– Bluefield State College announced they received a grant from the American Electric Power (AEP) Foundation.
The AEP Foundation helps provide permanent and ongoing resources for charity in communities served by AEP.
“The Foundation focuses on improving lives through education from early childhood through higher education in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,” said the statement.
The college received a $250,000 grant from the AEP’s Foundation Delivering on the Dream program. This program is a five-year $5 million commitment that helps fund organizations with programs dedicated to advancing social and racial justice.
Other organizations receiving funds include Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation, YWCA Columbus, Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, and Youth Services of Tulsa.
$1 million in grants were given to four Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Four HBCUs that also received a grant are Southern University, Jarvis Christian College, Bluefield State College, and Wiley College.
Bluefield State will use this grant for a STEM initiative for students of color. Their program creates success with minorities studying STEM fields.
“The $250,000 grant awarded to the BSC Foundation will enable our College to enhance educational opportunities for minority students through STEM education. I salute the initiative and focus of Dr. Deirdre Guyton (BSC Director of Alumni Affairs), Dr. Ted Lewis (BSC Provost), and Mr. Tim McKenzie (BSC Director of Research and Sponsored Programs and Title III,) in developing the grant,” stated BSC President, Robin Capehart.
The AEP “Delivering on the Dream” grant will dramatically elevate the career paths of many promising minority students at Bluefield State College.