From teaching students about wildlife protection to helping raise an American flag, AEP Ohio employees are showing up for the communities they serve and call home.
As AEP Ohio gears up for a summer of service, employees across our 61-county service territory are stepping out from behind the trucks and power lines to connect with communities face-to-face. It’s what our Power for Good commitment is all about: Having real conversations, building stronger communities and going beyond powering the light switch.
Helping Students See Their Future
In southwest Columbus, AEP Ohio employees met with about 75 students during the Focus Learning Academy career fair. Students ages 16 to 24 learned about career paths across the AEP Ohio brand and what it takes to work in the energy industry.
In Reynoldsburg, more than 1,400 students and family members attended Summit Road Elementary School’s STEM Night. AEP Ohio employees shared how crews work to protect wildlife and native plants while safely delivering electricity.
“The kids loved the hands-on interaction, and the AEP hard hats were a favorite,” AEP environmentalist Tim Lohner said.
Giving Communities a Boost
In Pomeroy, the AEP Ohio Foundation donated $10,000 to the Mulberry Community Center .
“The Mulberry Community Center continues to play a huge role in helping local families through programs and services such as their thrift store, shower and laundry facilities, Kids Backpack Program, and much more,” the Meigs County Chamber & Tourism posted on its Facebook page. “Thank you to AEP Ohio for investing in our community and supporting the important work being done at the Mulberry Community Center.”
In Fairfield County, the inspiHER Girls Leadership Foundation also received a $10,000 grant to continue leadership training and mentorship programs for middle and high school girls.
“We are beyond excited and grateful,” the nonprofit shared on Facebook. “Thank you to AEP Ohio for believing in our mission and investing in girls across Appalachian Ohio. Your support will help us continue building confidence, leadership, resilience, and opportunity for the next generation.”
Small Moments That Matter
Not every act of service comes with a big check.
During a lunch break in Chillicothe, a lineworker used his bucket truck to help a groundskeeper replace a rope and an American flag.
“This is what it’s about,” one resident wrote on Facebook. “Not just keeping the power on but helping our community.”
Bringing Hands-On Learning to Kids
Across the state, AEP Ohio employees are giving students a closer look at the work happening in their own neighborhoods.
In Canton, our employees joined East Canton Elementary’s Touch-A-Truck event, where students explored utility vehicles and learned about careers in the field.
At 4-H Camp Hervida in Marietta, eighth-graders got hands-on experience learning how lineworkers open and close fuses, splice wire and operate equipment.
In Meigs County, fourth graders at Ag Day watched lineworkers demonstrate how crews safely climb utility poles when bucket trucks can’t reach certain areas.
“The students were very engaged and enthusiastic,” business services account manager Andrea Whaley said. “Many shared that our exhibit was their favorite part of the event.”
Showing Up Where It Counts
For many AEP Ohio workers, these events are personal because they serve the same towns where they live, raise families and call home.
In Pike County, lineworker Christopher “Kyle” Hatfield, a graduate of Western Local Schools, returned to help students during the district’s annual STEAM Day.
“This is my hometown, and I love helping students during the STEAM Day,” Hatfield said.
As summer begins, AEP Ohio employees plan to keep showing up — not just when the power goes out, but whenever their communities need them.
