BY: CRISTINA DEL CANTO | SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
Published 05-31-24
Submitted by Entergy Corporation
During a special event held at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Entergy partnered with the American Indian College Fund, or AICF, to award a grant in support of higher education for Native American students. For the ninth consecutive year, our collaboration with the AICF has been instrumental in empowering Native American students, enabling them to pursue rewarding career paths and emerge as influential leaders within their communities.
At the festival, Entergy Louisiana president and CEO Phillip May and Entergy Vice President for corporate social responsibility Patty Riddlebarger presented a $50,000 check to the AICF and the United Houma Nation Chief for student scholarships. This significant contribution will benefit students as they embark on their educational journeys and strive to make a positive impact.
“For the ninth year, we are honored to stand alongside the American Indian College Fund in our shared commitment to empowering Native American communities," said May. "Entergy remains steadfast in our dedication to creating opportunities for young individuals to overcome educational barriers and pursue higher education."
Since 2015, Entergy’s shareholders have funded more than $315,000 in scholarships for Native American students, which has supported 135 scholars. American Indian students are the most educationally underrepresented population in America, receiving bachelor’s degrees at less than half the national average of approximately 37%.
Every year, the AICF plays a crucial role in assisting more than 4,000 students in starting and completing their educational journeys, enabling them to earn their degrees and embark on successful careers. With a goal to achieve a 60% graduation rate for all scholars by 2025, the AICF has provided over 150,000 scholarships and more than $280 million to support American Indian communities since its establishment in 1989.
Entergy's vision "We Power Life," extends beyond delivering essential energy service to our customers. We are committed to investing in critical programs and initiatives that contribute to the growth and prosperity of the communities where we live, work and serve. Through our philanthropic endeavors, volunteerism, initiatives to support our low-income customers, and economic development initiatives, we remain dedicated to fostering healthy, educated, environmentally sustainable and thriving communities. Learn more about our community engagement here.
Entergy is a Fortune 500 company that powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at entergy.com and follow @Entergy on social media. #WePowerLife
Corporate Social Responsibility at Entergy
For more than 100 years, Entergy has powered life in our communities through strategic philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy’s corporate social responsibility initiatives help create and sustain thriving communities, position the company for sustainable growth and are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Our top CSR priorities are education/workforce development, poverty solutions/social services and environmental programs. Entergy annually contributes $16-$18 million in shareholder-funded grants to approximately 2,000 nonprofit organizations in the communities where we operate. In addition, our employees volunteer more than 100,000 hours in those communities' values at more than $3 million.
More from Entergy Corporation