AEP partners with FAO to support environmental education

American Electric Power Partners With Foundation for Appalachian Ohio to Support Environmental Education

The American Electric Power Foundation and AEP Ohio recently announced their intention to contribute more than half a million dollars to the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) to support efforts to protect and preserve Appalachian Ohio’s natural resources through environmental education activities.

“We’re pleased to support FAO’s work with the region’s citizens to encourage environmental stewardship,” said Joe Hamrock, president and COO of AEP Ohio. “The grants program and other activities align with our company and AEP Foundation objectives of improving lives through education and protecting the environment.  This partnership with FAO to establish an endowment for the region creates a permanent resource that makes a difference far into the future”

The AEP Foundation will provide $375,000 over the next three years to establish and grow an environmental education endowment. FAO will use earnings from this endowment fund to distribute mini-grants to schools and community youth organizations for activities that encourage environmental stewardship and increase awareness of and appreciation for local natural resources. As the endowment grows, so will the size and number of grants available.

In addition to establishing this endowment, AEP Ohio will provide $150,000 over four years to support FAO’s program efforts to enhance quality of life in Appalachian Ohio, including FAO’s work to support the region in creating access to educational opportunities through its I’m a Child of Appalachia® program.

“AEP’s investment will significantly bolster FAO’s capacity to empower the people of this region,” said Cara Dingus Brook, president and CEO of FAO. “To ensure wise environmental stewardship today and forever, we must grow our region’s capacity to invest in our people and particularly our youth with meaningful environmental education. We are delighted to partner with AEP to this end.”

_{The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio is a regional community foundation and 501(c)(3) public charity serving the 29 counties of Appalachian Ohio. FAO attracts contributions for programs and endowment, makes grants for charitable and civic purposes and supports local efforts for positive change. For more information or to learn more about FAO’s I’m a Child of Appalachia® Network (ICAN!) to promote regional  access and success in education, visit www.appalachianohio.org.}

_{The American Electric Power Foundation is funded by American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) and its utility operating units. The AEP 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 AEP Foundation’s areas of focus include special emphasis on improving lives through education from early childhood through higher education, protecting the environment, providing basic human services in the areas of hunger, housing, health and safety, and enriching life through art, music and cultural heritage.}  

_{The AEP Foundation is based in Columbus, Ohio.}