SWEPCO Foundation to Sponsor Inaugural Land of Opportunity Scholarship Cohort

The University of Arkansas today announced that the Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) Foundation will serve as the inaugural corporate sponsor of the first cohort of Land of Opportunity Scholars, marking a major milestone as the university prepares to welcome the program’s first class in fall 2026.

The Land of Opportunity Scholarship bridges the gap between available financial aid for Arkansas students and the cost of tuition, mandatory fees and housing at the U of A. Students with significant financial need have a 20% lower graduation rate. This program seeks to support Pell-eligible, high-achieving students from all 75 counties.

In addition to financial assistance, scholars receive mentorship, academic coaching and financial planning, along with access to career-building opportunities including undergraduate research, study abroad and internships with Arkansas companies like SWEPCO to help ensure they graduate and succeed. The program expects to serve approximately 100 students in its first cohort, creating meaningful opportunity in communities across the state.

“SWEPCO Foundation’s investment in the Land of Opportunity Scholarship reflects a shared belief that when Arkansas students have the resources and support they need to succeed, all of Arkansas benefits,” said Chancellor Charles Robinson. “We are grateful for their partnership in expanding educational access, strengthening the state’s workforce and making a lasting difference for families and communities across Arkansas.”

(From left) Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement; Brett Mattison, SWEPCO president and COO; Chancellor Charles Robinson.

SWEPCO’s support will power the first year of the first cohort of Land of Opportunity Scholars — who will arrive on campus this fall as part of a program designed to support them from enrollment through graduation.

“Every day, SWEPCO helps keep the lights on for homes, schools, hospitals and businesses across Arkansas. For more than a century, our role has been about more than electricity - it’s about being there for the communities we serve and helping them move forward,” said SWEPCO President and COO Brett Mattison. “We see firsthand how opportunity and talent come together to build strong families and a strong state. The Land of Opportunity Scholarship reflects that belief, and through the SWEPCO Foundation, we’re proud to help support Arkansas students and power a brighter future for the places we’re honored to serve.”

SWEPCO serves communities across Arkansas and the broader region. The company’s support reflects a continued commitment to education, workforce development and long-term economic growth.

“The Land of Opportunity Scholarship embodies a bold and innovative vision to empower academically qualified, but economically challenged Arkansans, to realize their full potential and to advance the Arkansas workforce,” said Scott Varady, vice chancellor of advancement. “We are grateful for the university’s partnership with SWEPCO and the SWEPCO Foundation, and the investment to help power the inaugural class of Land of Opportunity Scholars. As we build on this momentum, we look forward to engaging additional partners who share this commitment to advancing student success and strengthening Arkansas' workforce."

About Southwestern Electric Power Co. Foundation - The Southwestern Electric Power Co. Foundation awards charitable grants within communities served by Southwestern Electric Power Co., an operating subsidiary of American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP). The Southwestern Electric Power Co. Foundation, along with the rest of the American Electric Power Foundation, is funded by AEP and its operating subsidiaries solely through shareholder dollars.

About Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), headquartered in Shreveport, Louisiana, delivers safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to more than 500,000 customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. SWEPCO is an American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) company. Learn more at SWEPCO.com. Connect with us by following Facebook.com/SWEPCO, Twitter.com/SWEPCOnews, Instagram.com/swepco, Youtube.com/SWEPCOtv and LinkedIn.com/company/swepco.

About the Land of Opportunity Scholarship: The Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign is a three-year initiative to further educational access opportunities for students from all 75 counties in Arkansas, improve graduation rates, create two-way engagement between the university and businesses throughout the state, and fulfill the institution’s land-grant mission to uplift Arkansas. As of April 30, 2026, the campaign has raised 69% of its goal in 49% of the time through more than $138,444,523 in pledges and commitments.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas’ economy  through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.