(News release issued by the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope)

HOPE, AR – The University of Arkansas Community College at Hope held a press conference today to announce AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company has donated $1 million to UACCH Foundation to fund scholarships for Technical and Industrial Programs.  Students will be able to attend UACCH in Hope, Texarkana College in Texarkana, or Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas.  This historic gift will provide funding for scholarships that will help many in Hempstead County and throughout Southwest Arkansas overcome the financial hurdle of pursuing a higher education. 

Congressman Mike Ross, 4th District Congressman, Venita McCellon-Allen, President and Chief Operating Officer, SWEPCO, and Dr. B. Alan Sugg, President of the U of A System joined Dr. Charles L. Welch, Chancellor of UACCH for today’s announcement. This donation is the largest single educational gift by SWEPCO and also signifies the largest gift in the history of UACCH.
       
Dr. Charles L. Welch said, “Today is a great day in the history of the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope and Southwest Arkansas.  This historic gift for UACCH will enhance the lives of so many in Southwest Arkansas, and I am grateful for the vision and leadership of SWEPCO. I am honored that this corporate partner valued our efforts to provide a quality education at a reasonable price enough to invest a million dollars in the lives of our students.”

The scholarships funded by today’s announcement will directly benefit the Technical and Industrial Division at UACCH.  This division is one of the oldest divisions at the College.  Programs of study in this area include Technical Certificates in Industrial Electricity, Welding Technology, Diesel Technology, Industrial Maintenance, and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.  Technical Certificate programs provide technical training in specific skills and are designed to prepare the student for immediate employment.  Normally, these programs are one year or less in duration.  A Certificate of Proficiency is available in Industrial Technology, Welding Technology and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.  A Certificate of Proficiency is awarded to a student who has demonstrated mastery of specific skills and knowledge within the area of specialization they have chosen.  UACCH is also proud to offer an Associates of Applied Science degree in General Technology.  This program of study provides the advanced skills needed to help students meet career objectives and obtain immediate employment upon completion.

Students who complete their studies through UACCH’s Technical and Industrial Division are fully equipped to go to work for a large company or manufacturer.  The program at the College effectively prepares its students for the workplace.

"This gift is so important in providing access to necessary training and education that citizens in Hempstead County and surrounding areas need as community supporters of the Turk Power Plant project," said Venita McCellon-Allen, President and COO, SWEPCO.

This gift signifies another sizable donation to the UACCH Foundation during the past three years.  During this same period, the UACCH Foundation has improved the opportunities for students by increasing the number of scholarship endowments from 1 to 19.  The total endowment value for the UACCH campus has increased by over 500%.  These advancements indicate the valuable support from the community the College receives.  This support provides valuable resources to help students build their bridge to the future.  For more information about UACCH, visit our website at www.uacch.edu or contact the College at 870-777-5722.