Ohio University receives $50,000 from AEP Ohio Foundation

Ohio University has received a $50,000 gift from AEP Ohio Foundation, the philanthropic arm of American Electric Power. The AEP Ohio Foundation has supported the university’s STEM program since 2022. The newest funding will support various initiatives like providing meals for students in the STEMStart program, providing STEM resources for schools and libraries, and conducting field trips, among others.

According to an article on Ohio University’s website, Jennifer Bowman, who serves as the university’s director of environmental programs, was quoted as saying of the grant, “We are very pleased to deliver these meaningful programs with continued support from the AEP Ohio Foundation. These funds have become an anchor for youth to learn more about science, engineering and technology in our region, at a time when this type of funding is needed more than ever.”

Among the initiatives that will be supported with the $50,000 gift are those that will enhance and expand the ability of the Voinovich School’s STEM Program in 2026, especially the efforts the Voinovich School partakes in alongside College of Arts and Science’s STEMStart program, which supports local high school students. The grant will provide meals for students who participate in STEMStart, provide STEM-related field trips at the Ridges, support graduate and undergraduate student research opportunities, and provide STEM resources for schools and libraries.

According to the website for the AEP Ohio Foundation, it “focuses on improving lives through education from early childhood through higher education in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and by providing support to help meet basic needs such as emergency shelter, affordable housing and eliminating hunger.”

Melissa Clark, the customer and external affairs manager for AEP Ohio’s South and East Regions, said of the partnership, “The impact of these funds is what keeps us coming back. Partnering with Ohio University has helped us foster positive change in the community. We see these students as the next generation of AEP professionals for Ohio and beyond.”

For more information about Ohio University, visit the school’s website.