AEP’s 2024 Generosity Helps OHIO’s Students, Researchers and Regional STEM Education

AEP Ohio, through its recommendation of a grant by the American Electric Power Foundation, highlighted their ongoing interest in supporting southeastern Ohio with two major awards to Ohio University in 2024. AEP has been a strong supporter of the region through Ohio University, which has enabled large scale research, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programming, and support of energy research.

 

“Safely delivering power to homes and businesses across Ohio requires a highly skilled workforce,” said Marc Reitter, AEP Ohio president and COO. “As the utility industry continues to evolve, we take pride in supporting STEM education in southeastern Ohio and look forward to our continued partnership with Ohio University through the AEP Foundation.”

 

The AEP Foundation has awarded $100,000 to the Russ College of Engineering and Technology for its new Russ Research Opportunity Center (RROC), which will celebrate its official grand opening on OHIO’s Athens Campus this fall. To recognize the AEP Foundation for its continued partnership and support, RROC will name the High-Temperature Chemical Synthesis and Energy Production Lab at the Institute for Sustainable Energy and the Environment after the AEP Foundation. This marks the first named space in the RROC. Led by Director Jason Trembly, the lab’s primary mission is to develop innovative engineers and technologies that enable the sustainable and economic use of natural and renewable energy resources.

 

“The generosity of the AEP Foundation is truly appreciated,” commented Patrick Fox, Dean of the Russ College of Engineering Technology. “This major gift marks the first named research space within our new RROC building and for it to recognize the American Electric Power Foundation, one of our most valued partners, makes this event even more significant.”

 

Details about the Russ College of Engineering and Technology, the Russ Research Opportunity Center and the Institute for Sustainable Energy and the Environment can be found at https://www.ohio.edu/engineering/ and https://www.ohio.edu/engineering/isee.

 

In addition, this year the AEP Foundation renewed funding at the $100,000 level for OHIO’s STEM Program for Appalachian Ohio. The Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service has established itself as a leader in bringing people together to solve energy and environmental problems in Ohio as well as helping to educate the next generation of STEM professionals. For over three decades the school has been working with students, faculty, and staff across Ohio University; local energy and environmental groups, and local, state, and federal agencies on environmental research, STEM preparedness, and renewable energy.

 

“The AEP Foundation’s funding is vital to continuing our programs,” noted Tracy Plouck, Dean of the Voinovich School. “Additional STEM education is desperately needed in southeastern Ohio schools. The support from the AEP Foundation makes sure our region’s students are not left out of the opportunities created by science and technology. We couldn’t be more appreciative.”

 

Funds awarded by the AEP Foundation will allow the Voinovich School to continue its support of education in numerous regional schools. Funding is specifically earmarked for support of STEM education in the region. This includes graduate and undergraduate student support of STEM applied research; conducting STEM field trips for area teachers at the Ridges; scholarships for incoming freshman to participate in the week-long STEMstart program at Ohio University; travel for staff, students, and area schools to cover busing costs for field trips; supplies to distribute STEM kits to libraries and schools; teacher professional development; as well as science fair awards to students, and printing for STEM materials.

 

More information can be found at https://www.ohio.edu/voinovich-school/.

 

A sponsorship of Ohio University’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine’s 2024 Summer Medical Academy Program at OHIO’s Dublin Campus was also awarded.

 

About the AEP Foundation and AEP Ohio: The American Electric Power Foundation is funded by American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) and its operating subsidiaries. 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 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, promote healthcare and safety, and enrich life through art, music and cultural heritage.

 

AEP Ohio is based in Gahanna, Ohio, and is a unit of American Electric Power. AEP Ohio provides electricity to 1.5 million customers. News and information about AEP Ohio can be found at AEPOhio.com.