Leadership West Virginia News Release

Charleston, W.Va. – American Electric Power Foundation has committed $5,000 annually for five years to Leadership West Virginia (LWV). The money will go toward program fees and expenses for one qualified participant in an upcoming LWV program as part of the AEP Foundation’s Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship initiative.
“These dollars further support LWV’s mission to grow, engage and mobilize leaders to ignite a lifelong passion to move West Virginia forward, while continuing to allow us to offer a class diverse among all ethnic groups, ages, genders, professions, backgrounds and geographic areas of the state,” LWV Executive Director Pam Farris said.
“Appalachian Power has been a loyal partner of LWV for a long time, and we greatly appreciate the value the company’s leadership places on our program year after year,” she said. “Appalachian Power and its parent company, AEP, have played a significant role in helping us shape future leaders across West Virginia.”
“We’re excited to be able to work with Leadership West Virginia to provide a special focus on diversity within each class of LWV,” said Chris Beam, Appalachian Power president and chief operating officer. “We know that by making diversity and inclusion a priority, we can strengthen leadership in our communities across the state.”
To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must demonstrate senior-level leadership in an organization or company with proven reliability and in a role that shows a progression toward leadership or management, along with significant achievement or accomplishments in their career, community and/or civic service. In addition, applicants must show concern for the future of West Virginia by demonstrating a commitment to help shape it.
All program applicants must apply through the online process available on the LWV website. Candidates are chosen by a selection committee of members of the program Board of Directors. Scholarships will be announced prior to the start of the LWV program each year through 2026.
More information about the LWV Class of 2021 and the scholarship application will soon be available on the LWV website at www.leadershipwv.org.