SWEPCO Foundation Establishes $25,000 Endowed Scholarship at Texarkana College
Texarkana, Texas – The SWEPCO Foundation presented a $25,000 check to the Texarkana College Foundation Wednesday to establish an endowed scholarship fund that will provide financial support for Texarkana College students.
The check was presented during a ceremony at the Texarkana College McCulloch Industrial Technology Building. The new endowed scholarship reflects a shared commitment by the SWEPCO Foundation and Texarkana College to strengthen the regional workforce by helping students access affordable, career-focused higher education and training.
Lisa Thompson, External Affairs Manager for SWEPCO, said the partnership with Texarkana College aligns closely with the SWEPCO Foundation’s commitment to Power for Good, its initiative focused on strengthening the communities it serves.
“SWEPCO Foundation’s goal is to reach as many people as we can through the communities we support. When we consider where our resources can have the greatest impact, Texarkana College is a clear choice. Through workforce training and academic support, Texarkana College is helping thousands of students build better futures for themselves and their families.”
Today’s gift is the latest chapter in a relationship rooted in the history of Texarkana itself. Since Texarkana College opened its doors in 1927, the college has helped shape generations of students, while SWEPCO and the SWEPCO Foundation have helped power the community’s growth and progress. SWEPCO’s roots trace back to 1912, when the Dawes brothers combined three utilities, including the Texarkana Gas and Electric Company, to create the company that would become SWEPCO.
Texarkana College President Dr. Jason Smith expressed his appreciation to Thompson and the SWEPCO Foundation for recognizing the strong alignment between the foundation’s priorities and the college’s mission.
“We are incredibly grateful to The SWEPCO Foundation for recognizing the alignment between their commitment to our community and Texarkana College’s mission to provide accessible and affordable higher education opportunities for the people of our region,” Smith said. “This scholarship is an investment in our students and in the future of our region.”
SWEPCO and the SWEPCO Foundation have supported Texarkana College and its students through the years, including support for workforce development, aviation education, scholarships and the college’s food pantry. This support has included a substantial investment in Texarkana Arkansas ISD to help establish a TANGO Flight program at Arkansas High School, giving students an opportunity to begin exploring aviation mechanics in high school and continue their training and credentials through Texarkana College’s Aviation Maintenance Technician (A&P) program.
The $25,000 gift will be invested as an endowed scholarship through the Texarkana College Foundation, creating a lasting source of support for TC students. The SWEPCO Foundation plans to continue contributing to the endowment in the future, with the goal of growing the fund and expanding its impact on students.
Pictured (left to right): Holly Zacharias, SWEPCO Customer Service Account Representative; Lisa Thompson, SWEPCO External Affairs Manager; Dr. Jason Smith, Texarkana College President; Katie Andrus, Texarkana College Foundation Executive Director; and Brandon Washington, Texarkana College Vice President – Campus Operations.
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About the Southwestern Electric Power Co. Foundation: The Southwestern Electric Power Co. Foundation awards charitable grants within communities served by Southwestern Electric Power Co., an operating subsidiary of American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP), supporting housing, education, access to essential services, resilience and recovery, and thriving communities. It is funded by AEP and its operating subsidiaries solely through shareholder dollars.
About Texarkana College: Founded in 1927, Texarkana College is a comprehensive public community college serving students throughout the Texarkana region. TC offers academic transfer programs, workforce training and career and technical education designed to help students enter the workforce, advance their careers, or continue their education. The Texarkana College Foundation provides resources that support college priorities and create opportunities for students through partnerships with alumni, friends, donors, corporations and foundations.