AEP Texas donated $5,000 to support the STEM program at the Val Verde Training Center, a Texas ACE site that provides no-cost after-school and summer programming to local students. The center serves more than 90 students throughout the year by offering academic support and opportunities to children from kindergarten through 12th grade. 

"Funds from AEP Texas will support the center's STEM programming to encourage hands-on learning and critical thinking skills," External Affairs Manager Jimmy Earnest said. 

The Val Verde Training Center also provides summer school services, transportation, snacks, meals, recreational activities, and character-building discussions. Other mentoring programs offer at-risk students and their parents from kindergarten through sixth grade, tips on how to address behaviors such as bullying and substance abuse.