SWEPCO Awards Grant to Volunteers of America for Caddo Parish Students’ Benefit

Grant to Enhance Educational Programs

The Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) announced yesterday that they are granting Volunteers of America North Louisiana $75,000. This collaboration aims to bolster the local education sector, particularly emphasizing the Communities in Schools (CIS) and LightHouse programs. These programs currently cater to around 7,000 students in the Caddo Parish area.

“SWEPCO recognizes how both programs benefit thousands of students in the classroom,” stated Michael Corbin, the External Affairs Manager at SWEPCO. “We see this as the perfect time and opportunity to extend assistance for Programs’ expansion to impact more students.”

Focus on Attendance, Behaviour, and Course Performance

Southwestern Electric Power Company detailed that the CIS primarily focuses on students’ attendance, behaviour, and course performance. With intensive services, seventy-eight percent of the students met or made progress in one of the key areas: academic, attendance, or behavioural. This means that helping students adapt to academic rigour also includes nurturing their mental and emotional well-being and ensuring that they correctly attended classes.

After-School Assistance: LightHouse Program

Beyond the school hours, the LightHouse Program works to ensure that students master their coursework by providing assistance with homework and conducting enrichment activities. Simultaneously, it is aimed at reducing the barriers to education and keeping children invested in their studies beyond the regular school hours.

“Together, these efforts are significantly reducing barriers to education and ensuring that children stay in school. Hence, we are very grateful for this grant,’” said Carolyn Hammond, President/CEO of Volunteers of America North Louisiana.

Further Community Support

This move by SWEPCO further illustrates the power sector’s commitment and active participation in community development and support. This investment towards improving student performance in the Caddo Parish school system is anticipated to better educational scores and general student enrichment. Additionally, this grant, coupled with diligent framework execution, is expected to foster resilience among students and equip them better for future challenges.