Entergy Launches New Initiative to Support HBCUs in Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Entergy Arkansas has unveiled a new initiative, The Power of Prosperity, to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) while offering students educational opportunities aimed at fostering generational wealth. This effort, announced on April 2, 2025, encompasses a decade-long commitment with a budget of $20 million across Entergy’s service areas in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

The Power of Prosperity initiative aims to provide scholarships, facility grants, endowments, workforce development programming, internship opportunities, and access to financial resources. It specifically targets HBCU students to equip them with the necessary tools to build sustainable futures.

The first major component of this initiative is the Power Your Future Scholarship, which awards selected college undergraduates pursuing technology majors at designated HBCUs a scholarship of $5,000. Up to 20 of these scholarships will be available, funded by Entergy’s shareholder contributions.

Eligible candidates include undergraduates at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and Philander Smith College, as well as those pursuing four-year technology degrees at qualifying HBCUs within Entergy’s operational territory. Scholarship America®, recognized as the nation’s largest manager of scholarship programs, will administer the applications.

“As the oldest HBCU in Arkansas, UAPB is thrilled to continue our partnership with Entergy through the Power of Prosperity program,” said Dr. Andrea Stewart, interim chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. “We commend Entergy’s vision and commitment to HBCUs and the communities we serve, and we look forward to the bright futures these opportunities will bring to our students.”

Ventrell Thompson, vice president of customer service at Entergy Arkansas, expressed pride in supporting the next generation of leaders through the scholarship program. “By investing in HBCUs and the talented individuals they serve, we’re hoping to introduce more students to opportunities in the energy sector, strengthen our communities, and build an inclusive and innovative workforce in Arkansas,” he said.

Students interested in applying for the Power Your Future Scholarship must submit their applications by April 9, 2025. The initiative overall seeks to empower students with knowledge about generational wealth strategies as well as enhance their educational and professional preparedness.

About Entergy: Entergy Arkansas, LLC provides electricity to around 735,000 customers throughout 63 counties. As a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation, it operates alongside its peers in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas to serve a total of 3 million customers. Entergy emphasizes affordable energy rates while also focusing on clean energy investments, including natural gas, nuclear, and renewable sources, and contributes over $100 million annually through community support initiatives.