New Albany, Ohio, June 19, 2018 – Students from Columbus City Schools today signed their “Letters of Intent” to participate in AEP’s Opportunities iN Energy (ONE) career-preparedness program. The four ONE program participants are beginning a 10-week internship program and will receive ongoing mentoring from AEP employees during their senior year of high school. Their participation in the program prepares them to earn the OhioMeansJobs-Readiness Seal, a formal designation for Ohio high school graduates who have demonstrated that they are ready for the next step on their career path, whether in the workforce or the postsecondary classroom.

Executive leaders from American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) and the State of Ohio praised the students for their commitment to education and focus on preparing for life after high school. The program has earned support from organizations across the state. The addition of AEP’s support through the ONE program adds another potential employer to the list.

“Keeping the lights on requires hard work from a huge team at AEP,” said Lisa Barton, Executive Vice President, AEP Transmission. “Through our Opportunities iN Energy program, we are helping high school students learn about careers that offer good paying jobs with a great company. It’s exciting to have the next generation of energy workers with us today.”

AEP has a history of supporting high school and college students through internship programs. The ONE program expands the model to include continued mentoring and career skills development for participants. Students who participate also may earn college credit through the Credits Count program, sponsored by the American Electric Power Foundation. 

ONE interns are paired with AEP mentors to help them develop professional skills. Interns also participate in rotational assignments throughout the AEP Ohio and AEP Transmission organizations, including at the Distribution and Transmission Dispatch Centers, Engineering, Customer Design and Service, and Transmission Field Services Departments.

“This is a perfect example of a partnership making Ohio’s education system stronger by supporting each child’s success,” said John Richard, deputy superintendent of public instruction. “We look forward to partnering with others who will follow AEP’s lead and make it their business to improve education statewide.”

“Internships are a vital part of a student’s education, and they help to ensure that Ohio has a skilled workforce,” said Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor John Carey. “I commend AEP for its role in helping students earn the OhioMeansJobs-Readiness Seal, for giving these students a jump start on their career and providing this important step on their pathway to a successful future.”

“We’re excited to see AEP take a leadership role in supporting the OhioMeansJobs-Readiness Seal and the students who earn it,” said Ryan Burgess, Director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation. “The students recognized today will have a significant advantage at AEP and in their professional careers, whether they choose to go full-time upon graduation or pursue higher education.”