Entergy Supports Education in the Hudson Valley

Entergy provides grants that support a wide variety of community needs including the arts, community improvement, education, literacy and healthy families. One of the highest priorities for Entergy’s corporate giving programs is education. In 2007 nearly one half of the $340,000 allocated for the Hudson Valley region surrounding Indian Point Energy Center went to support educational programs in schools and community organizations.

Through the company’s grant programs, Entergy has partnered with the Peekskill City School District to support science programs in the district’s schools. The new Authentic Science Research program was established this year to offer high school students the opportunity to participate in scientific research and scholarship as part of their learning experience. Through this unique program, students chose a field of research, find a scientist to mentor them in their study and over the next two years will complete their research project and present their findings to their class and the school district. This experience will provide students with the ability to analyze research data, prepare hypotheses and perfect presentation skills as well as explore the community of scientific research for future educational and career possibilities.
An Elementary Science Investigation program also was established in the Peekskill City School District with assistance from Entergy. With the placement of a science laboratory in two elementary schools, activities and lessons will be offered to help develop young students’ understanding of concepts and skills related to problem-solving and science.

Programs funded through the Entergy Corporate Giving Program or the Entergy Charitable Foundation in 2007 also include after-school and back-to-school programs. Among those receiving contributions are the Newburgh City Schools for a back-to-school program, Hendrick Hudson Free Library for a children’s reading program, the Gayhead Elementary Parents Teachers Association for Parents as Reading Partners, and the White Plains Library for an elementary school reading program.

“Entergy is committed to giving back to the communities that we serve,” said Fred Dacimo, vice president at Indian Point Energy Center. “Science education and fundamental reading skills are vital to maintaining our nation’s leadership role in technology and innovation,” Dacimo noted.

The Entergy Charitable Foundation is a private not-for-profit foundation that is wholly funded by Entergy Corporation. The foundation’s purpose is to help low income families and individuals escape poverty by providing them with tools such as education, job training and placement, literacy, affordable housing and asset creation.

The ECF accepts applications three times per year. The deadline for the next cycle is February 1, 2008.

The Entergy Corporate Giving Program supports education, the arts and culture, community improvement and healthy families. Applications are reviewed quarterly and may be submitted after January 1.