The Amercian Electric Power (AEP) Foundation is joining forces with Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) by providing $1.4 million over five years to launch the "Credit Count" program.  

BPCC is the second college to receive funding from the Foundation for this program, which benefits middle and high school students in north Louisiana.

"Credit Count" is a signature program of the AEP Foundation. It targets dual enrollment students with a focus on studies in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

It focuses on four major components -- STEM experiences -- by expanding awareness at an early age of possible STEM careers through middle and high school exploration experiences; college course readiness assessments, by identifying gaps in reading, writing, and math that may require tutoring; summer bridge programs that provide remediation in English and math and improve skills prior to students enrolling in dual enrollment programs; and dual enrollment in high schools and at BPCC, which allows students to graduate high school with at least 12 college credits toward an associate degree or job ready certificate.

The program seeks to serve approximately 400 students once it's fully-launched in fall 2015.

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