The Commonwealth Alliance for Rural Colleges receives $25,000 grant from the American Electric Power Foundation.

The Commonwealth Alliance for Rural Colleges (CARC/the Alliance) has received a $25,000 grant from the American Electric Power (AEP) Foundation to aid in CARC’s mission to provide member institutions with resources to ensure their students have access to an affordable, value-based education.

“Our youth are key to your future,” said Appalachian Power External Affairs Vice President Brad Hall, who serves as the vice chair on the CARC board of directors. “With the AEP Foundation, we have a permanent, ongoing resource to support the educational needs of our young people and neighbors. This not only helps to improve their life, but also benefits the communities and organizations we partner with and serve.”

Hall presented CARC President Carthan Currin with a check for the grant funds in a recent Alliance board meeting.

“The Commonwealth Alliance for Rural Colleges is grateful for the generous gift from the AEP Foundation. They are loyal corporate donors and are supporting youth in Southwest Virginia so that they may have the opportunity to attend college at one of our fine member institutions,” said Currin. “On behalf of the CARC board, I want to thank the Foundation for this impactful donation.”

American Electric Power is the parent company of Appalachian Power, which serves customers in Virginia, West Virginia, and Tennessee. Of the grant funds awarded, $5,000 will be split between CARC member institutions in Appalachian Power’s service area (Appalachian School of Law, Averett University, Bluefield University, and Ferrum College). The remaining $20,000 will be used to establish an endowed scholarship fund for students attending these universities.

The Alliance will partner with Appalachian Power to see future funding from the AEP Foundation to add to the endowment. The Alliance’s goal is to create a $125,000 endowment.