The State Journal – Tuesday, July 8, 2014
by Sarah Tincher, Energy Reporter
The American Electric Power Foundation has donated $50,000 to West Virginia University and the WVU Institute of Technology for science, technology, engineering and math summer camps.
The gift will cover some housing and board expenses, as well as some scholarship opportunities for students who face financial challenges, for the Engineering Challenge Camps at WVU and Camp STEM at WVU Tech. The camps will allow students to discover a field they are passionate about and possibly hope to pursue a career in.
“We’re happy to partner with WVU and WVU Tech on this STEM program. At Appalachian Power, we need employees with good math and science skills for many if not most of our jobs,” said Charles Patton, president and chief operating officer of Appalachian Power, an AEP subsidiary. “From engineering to customer service, STEM skills are critical for success. WVU and WVU Tech are helping create a well-educated work force that will build a better future for West Virginia.”
WVU and WVU Tech officials say that introducing STEM disciplines at an early age will improve high school graduation rates and help ensure that students are ready for college by giving them a glimpse into the college experience.
WVU Tech attracts about 60 students from across the state to Camp STEM’s location in Montgomery.
“We’re grateful for American Electric Power Foundation’s support as it allowed us to expand Camp STEM. This summer program is a vital opportunity for West Virginia high school students to explore STEM fields and see themselves as future scientists and engineers,” said Zeljko Torbica, dean of the Leonard C. Nelson College of Engineering and Sciences at WVU Tech.
To find out more about the camps, visit the WVU and WVU Tech websites.
State Journal article: http://www.statejournal.com/story/25964900/aep-foundation-donates-50000-to-wvu-and-wvu-tech-stem-camps