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Moving Students Ahead with STEM

Life is full of firsts. From learning to walk to exploring college and career options, first steps can be intimidating, especially if students aren’t ready to enter college, start a career or able to pay for college tuition.

That’s why the American Electric Power Foundation introduced Credits CountSM. In conjunction with local community colleges across our service territory, Credits Count helps students fill in learning gaps, so they are ready to study college-level courses while still in high school. By graduation, students will have earned credits that count toward a certificate in a STEM-related career or a college degree in fields that include engineering, biotechnology and information technology. The AEP Foundation has committed $14.2 million to the program which operates in all seven AEP operating company service areas.

Through Credits Count, we’re helping young people to become the next generation of critical thinkers that will find solutions to complex challenges for business and communities.

The AEP Foundation Credits CountSM grant program was created to excite middle school students about courses in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), and to help high school students earn up to 12 college credit hours by graduation.

Program Elements

  • Middle school STEM exploration
  • College course readiness assessment and tutoring
  • Summer bridge program to sharpen English, math and/or science skills
  • Dual enrollment in high school and community college

Participating Schools