Insights > Entergy Invests in the Future with Focus on Diversity

Entergy Invests in the Future with Focus on Diversity

By:

04/09/2019

Entergy is committed to working with local educational institutions to develop a workforce that can support the continued e​conomic development of the Gulf South region as well as support Entergy's own workforce needs. A big part of that commitment involves building and retaining a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve.

The company works hard to attract talented, diverse employees through our college recruiting efforts and partnerships with organizations and educational institutions. The​se efforts include partnering with historically black colleges and universities.

Through these partnerships, we've contributed more than $7.4 million to historically black colleges and universities in our service territory. But our partnerships go beyond monetary donations. We've also established formal mentoring programs, collaborated in research studies and provided intern/co-op opportunities for students.

Here are three examples of how our partnerships with HBCUs are benefiting students, our communities and our company.

Southern University

In 2018, Entergy and the Entergy Charitable Foundation announced a $2 million commitment to Southern University in Louisiana. The grant supports classroom and lab infrastructure improvements, as well as curriculum and faculty professional development for the university's engineering program. The grant will also fund the creation of internship and mentoring programs to enhance and strengthen the relationship between Entergy and Southern University.

Jackson State University

In 2009, Entergy and the Entergy Charitable Foundation donated $400,000 to Jackson State University to establish the Entergy Power Systems Laboratory in the School of Engineering, College of Science, Engineering and Technology. Entergy also made an additional $100,000 donation to provide scholarships to JSU engineering students.

The Power Systems Laboratory lets students conduct experiments in power simulation, power electronics, electrical machines and other subjects related to managing and modernizing the nation's energy transmission systems. Students also learn about electric grid infrastructure, energy conservation, renewable energy and large-scale smart grids. Since that initial grant, the company has hired more than 50 graduates from the JSU engineering program. And in 2017, Entergy reaffirmed its support of JSU's engineering programs by donating another $150,000.

Alcorn State University

In 2007, Entergy collaborated with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Alcorn State University to develop the only radiation-related program in the state of Mississippi. The NRC and the Health Physics Society recognize the ASU-Entergy alliance as one of the best models in the country.

Since then, Entergy has invested more than $650,000 to support the university's radiation technology program. In addition to scholarships, the partnership provides Alcorn students with internship opportunities and offers a mentorship program that matches students to technicians and technologists at nearby Grand Gulf Nuclear Station. Grand Gulf employees also visit health physics classes to share their experience with students.

Entergy’s alliance with Alcorn State University has been recognized nationally
as a model program for education and training for the nuclear industry.