Administered by Scholarship America®, the nation’s largest manager of scholarships and educational support programs, the Power Your Future Scholarship is part of ���ϳԹ���’s broader initiative,��. This initiative is designed to provide students and their families with free access to financial resources that foster the success of HBCU students to support underserved communities and to promote the creation of generational wealth.

As part of this commitment, Entergy has����$20 million over 10 years to elevate and empower HBCUs and their students across its service area in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. These funds will support enhanced education, career readiness and workforce development programs at HBCUs.

“Entergy New Orleans is thrilled to offer the Power Your Future Scholarship as a means to empower the next generation of technology leaders,” said Deanna Rodriguez, president and CEO of Entergy New Orleans. “By supporting students in their pursuit of higher education at HBCUs and minority-serving institutions, we are investing in an innovative future for our communities in the greater New Orleans area.”

Interested students must submit their applications by the April 9th deadline. The application process includes submitting required materials as specified by Scholarship America.

For more information about the Power Your Future Scholarship, including application details and eligibility requirements,��.

About Entergy New Orleans

Entergy New Orleans provides electricity to approximately 208,000 customers and natural gas to approximately 109,000 customers in Orleans Parish, Louisiana. Entergy New Orleans is a subsidiary of ���ϳԹ���, a Fortune 500 electric company. Entergy powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. For the latest news from Entergy New Orleans, visit the����and connect with��@EntergyNOLA��on social media.

Not only did television shows spark Matthews’s interest in engineering, but his curiosity also evolved into a career aspiration after his brother pursued a computer engineering degree. He went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Southern University A&M College.

Prior to joining Waterford 3, Matthews worked at Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, a nuclear power plant in Aiken, South Carolina. At Waterford 3, he holds the dual roles of fire protection engineer and chair for the Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging group.

As a leader of the DIB group, Matthews is passionate about community engagement and amplifying diverse perspectives. “This year the Waterford 3 DIB council is focusing on community engagement through volunteerism,” he explained.

Matthews underscores the role diversity plays in engineering and nuclear as a whole.

“Diversity fosters a broad spectrum of perspectives that are essential for innovation, safety and effective problem-solving. It enhances team dynamics and contributes to more comprehensive and sustainable solutions to complex challenges,” he said.

“Grand Gulf has been a pillar in the local community,” Coleman said. “It’s been an honor to grow up here and develop my career.”��

The chemistry department is responsible for protecting the nuclear reactor. As part of his new job, Coleman provides oversight to the group and makes sure everything is managed properly. He is also excited to develop his technicians and grow their proficiency.��

 “I was developed as a young technician. It afforded me the opportunity to become the chemistry superintendent today,” he said. “I want to be able to pass that knowledge and opportunity down and really teach my technicians we can be part of the solution we want to see.”��

 As Grand Gulf approaches its 40th anniversary, Coleman said he was excited to see that the same nuclear plant that gave him his start is still around and running strong to give those same opportunities to the next generation of nuclear workers in the local community.��

 He also mentioned that as a fun fact, he is a proud Dallas Cowboys fan.��

And yet, the season also gives us time to pause, to reflect on 12 months of achievements and challenges, and to plan for fresh beginnings in the spanking-new year.

As we reminisce about the highlights of��’24, it’s only fitting that we spotlight some of the best and brightest moments for Entergy’s nuclear fleet.

Let’s flip some calendar pages and name a few….

In��March, Entergy Nuclear engineered��some exciting changes��in Port Gibson, Miss.! An all-woman group of managers led Grand Gulf Nuclear Station’s engineering team—an important first! Valerie Myers is plant support manager, Tori Robinson led the design projects team and Grace Settoon managed strategic and systems engineering. Since then, in recognition of their excellent work, Robinson accepted a position as design projects manager at the corporate office in Jackson, and Settoon was selected by site leadership to serve as a consultant at the��, headquartered in Atlanta.

In��April, two-thirds of Arkansas fell inside the path of totality during the historic total eclipse, causing a very brief reduction in output at the solar energy stations. Yet, due to Entergy’s diverse energy portfolio—roughly����comes from nuclear—Entergy still kept the lights shining bright��for its customers!

In��June,����with����to����that promises some powerful benefits! The project could increase efficiencies, lower operational costs, prevent generation losses due to equipment failures and improve the predictability of plant operations. If proved successful, Entergy will employ the model at one of its stations and potentially expand to others.

In��September, while the winds of Hurricane Francine howled, thanks to the diligent preparation, strong teamwork and safety-first mindset of Entergy’s nuclear professionals,��their plants stayed on the grid, producing round-the-clock power for its customers. Entergy’s communities are grateful for the strength and resilience not only of nuclear power—but also of the entire team at Arkansas Nuclear One in Russellville, Ark.; Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Port Gibson, Miss.; River Bend Station in St. Francisville, La., and Waterford 3 Steam Electric Station in Killona, La.

Later in��September,��, a consortium of leading North American utilities that advise on the development and commercialization of����fluoride salt-cooled, high-temperature reactor��. Entergy’s Chief Nuclear Officer Kimberly Cook-Nelson said of the alliance, “We believe advanced nuclear technologies will play an important role in decarbonizing the U.S. energy system, and we’re pleased to be in a position to help nurture the development of new resources like KP-FHR.”

In��October, Cook-Nelson was named among the 2024����in the Profiles in Diversity Journal® magazine, which recognizes influential women who are using their talents to improve their workplace and our world. In its third-quarter issue, the journal featured Cook-Nelson’s reflections of her 28 years in the nuclear industry and her advice to never shy away from a challenge, shun the phrase “you can’t” and always remember: It’s about the people.

Also in��October, The��Entergy Charitable Foundation��awarded a����to help the HBCU establish a Critical Power Grid Network Security Lab. As an expansion of the university’s cybersecurity education curriculum, the lab will serve a twofold purpose: to offer students the necessary skills and resources to learn about the industry and to help grow a workforce to meet the needs of nuclear, electric and natural gas companies. Entergy and JSU have partnered before to create the��, another program in the��.

Later that month, Entergy’s nuclear fleet celebrated international��! The company is proud that its five reactors in four locations in Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi can cleanly power small towns, big cities and everywhere in between.�� By harnessing��100% clean nuclear power, Entergy is helping to meet the growing demands of the nation’s carbon-free energy needs.

In��December, Entergy Nuclear topped off the year with the����of��, Unit 1! Now, the two nuclear units at ANO generate not only a steady stream of clean, carbon-free energy but also significant positive impact in the River Valley. The station employs more than 1,000 full-time nuclear professionals who care deeply about their community. And just for good measure, let’s celebrate the contributions made by Entergy’s��entire��nuclear fleet! In 2024, all four nuclear stations—Arkansas Nuclear One, Grand Gulf, River Bend Station in St. Francisville, La. and Waterford 3 Steam Electric Station in Killona, La. — together with Entergy Nuclear headquarters in Jackson, Miss.,��awarded $155,805 in grants to benefit their surrounding communities.

More than two dozen students from Jackson State University, Howard University, Tennessee State University, Tuskegee University, Prairie View A&M University and Southern University and A&M College attended the event. The junior and senior-level students have various majors ranging from electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science and data analytics and law.

During the three-day event, students heard from representatives from the various event sponsors and presenters, including executives from Entergy Arkansas, Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), Southwest Power Pool, Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), PJM Interconnection and the Arkansas Chapter of AABE (American Association of Blacks in ���ϳԹ���). The ACES event featured industry speakers, professional development programs and glimpses into careers in the energy industry.

A tour of Entergy’s TCC-North and Alexander substation followed by a welcome dinner at the Clinton Presidential Center kicked off the events. The following days included a careers panel, resume writing and interview prep, informational interviews and the potential for career offers.

Speakers and panelists included John Bear, CEO of MISO; Barbara Sugg, CEO of SPP; Ventrell Thompson, vice president of customer service at Entergy Arkansas; William Cunningham, director of resource planning and market operations at Entergy Arkansas; Keith Collins, vice president of commercial operations at the Electric Reliability Council of Texas; Derek Dyson, CEO and president of Today’s Power Inc. of North Little Rock, and dozens of utility and power transmission executives.

The students also participated in a case study competition during the event. Four-member student teams competed for $30,000 in prizes by solving tough cases in energy management around demand resource response. Students from Southern University and A&M College won the competition and took home the top prize.

ACES seeks to develop a pipeline of diverse talent and provide professional development opportunities for diverse student populations that may otherwise not be aware of career opportunities in the energy industry.

Just like Entergy Arkansas needs a diverse energy mix to generate the most affordable and clean energy possible, we need diversity of our workforce. That’s what makes the ACES program so important.

Entergy has a history of supporting HBCUs and recently announced a 10-year, $20 million commitment to elevate and empower Historically Black Colleges and Universities and their students across the company’s service area in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.

In addition, the event recognized the 2024 Legacy honorees — Ro Brown, LeBron “LBJ” Joseph, Beverly McKenna, and Monica Pierre – who have made significant contributions to the local media landscape by providing fair and accurate coverage over the years.

��This event aligns with Entergy’s commitment to fostering the next generation of professionals and to ensuring that students with talent and ambition are provided an opportunity to succeed. In alignment with Entergy’s broader mission to support educational institutions, Entergy recently announced a 10-year, $20M commitment to HBCUs, including a $2 million grant to Jackson State University through the Entergy Charitable Foundation to help fund the creation of the Critical Power Grid Network Security Lab.

Lance Washington, a distinguished photojournalist, and production manager at Investigate TV+, was honored with the inaugural Unsung Hero Award presented by Entergy. The award recognizes those who work diligently behind the scenes, often without public recognition.

This award is especially meaningful to Entergy as it reflects the invaluable contributions of our own unsung heroes, such as line and plant workers, who often work under perilous conditions to ensure our community has access to safe and reliable power for their homes and businesses.

Through our partnership with NOABJ, Entergy reaffirms its commitment to empowering communities, cultivating future leaders, and to recognizing those who have a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

This advanced initiative between Jackson State and Entergy will create an innovation hub to help train a highly skilled cybersecurity workforce to meet the growing needs of nuclear, electric and natural gas companies, and electrical cooperatives.

“I am honored to receive this generous grant on behalf of Jackson State University. This gift will have a lasting impact on the lives of our students and the future of the energy sector,” said Thompson. “Looking ahead, this lab will not only benefit Jackson State University and our students, but it will also play a critical role in shaping the broader energy landscape.”

Local, community, and political leaders were present during the event, including Congressman Bennie Thompson, whom the president thanked for supporting Jackson State, describing it as instrumental. 

The Power Grid Security Lab Project will be a cornerstone of JSU’s commitment to workforce development, energy infrastructure, and cybersecurity. The lab will provide students with real-world experience safeguarding critical power grid infrastructure. As cyber threats become more sophisticated and aggressive, the importance of a robust defense system in the energy sector cannot be over-emphasized.¬†

“Whether using computers to earn a college degree or checking out at the grocery store, electricity isn’t a luxury for most people, it’s a necessity. And so is thwarting cyber threats in the energy sector,” said Haley Fisackerly, Entergy Mississippi president and CEO. “The robust growth in our company and the state is providing extraordinary opportunities to help build a diverse and skilled workforce in the cybersecurity field. Through this partnership, we’re investing in local talent and competing to keep them here. For more than 100 years we’ve served communities alongside Jackson State University, and we’re proud to continue powering the bright minds they produce.”

The lab aims to equip students with valuable technical skills and contribute significantly to society by fostering a workforce prepared to protect vital national infrastructure.

The cybersecurity workforce gap has also become a pressing issue, as the demand for skilled professionals far exceeds the available supply. (ISC)², a global cybersecurity certification body, reported a shortage of approximately 3.4 million cybersecurity professionals worldwide in 2022, with over 700,000 job openings in the U.S. alone. This shortfall poses a significant challenge to national security and the economy as organizations struggle to defend against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. 

In response, Jackson State University is evolving its cybersecurity education curriculum and resources to bridge this gap. 

“The establishment of the Critical Power Grid Network Security Lab at Jackson State University is truly a game-changer for our students,” said Dr. Wilbur Walters, Dean of the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology. “Having access to a facility such as this means our students won’t just be learning about cybersecurity—they’ll be directly engaging with the same challenges that professionals are facing in the energy sector today. This hands-on experience makes their education more relevant and impactful. It’s about evolving our curriculum to not only keep pace with the fast-changing tech world but also to ensure our students graduate ready to make a tangible difference.”

The cybersecurity industry has experienced significant growth and transformation over the past decade, primarily driven by the increasing prevalence of digital technology and the corresponding rise in cyber threats. According to a report by Cybersecurity Ventures, global cybercrime costs are expected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, up from $3 trillion in 2015, highlighting the escalating severity and frequency of cyberattacks. This rapid increase has underscored the critical need for a robust cybersecurity infrastructure, leading to substantial investments by the United States private and public sectors. 

“At Entergy, we believe that one of our many strengths in serving our customers is the diversity of our workforce. Our partnership with Jackson State University is a testament to our commitment to creating opportunities for students and shaping the leaders of tomorrow,” said Drew Marsh, ���ϳԹ��� chair and CEO. “By investing in education and fostering inclusion, we are not just building a diverse workforce, we are investing in the heart of our communities where we live, work and serve.”

Jackson State will receive the Entergy Charitable Foundation’s grant over multiple installments. The funds are exclusively for developing the Critical Power Grid Network Security Lab, focusing on cybersecurity in the nuclear, energy, and natural gas sectors.

About Jackson State University: Challenging Minds, Changing Lives

Jackson State University, founded in 1877, is a historically black, high-research activity university located in Jackson, the capital city of Mississippi. Jackson State’s nurturing academic environment challenges individuals to change lives through teaching, research and service. Officially designated as Mississippi’s Urban University, Jackson State continues to enhance the state, nation and world through comprehensive economic development, healthcare, technological and educational initiatives. The only public university in the Jackson metropolitan area, Jackson State is located near downtown, with four satellite locations. For more information, visit¬†or call 601-979-2121.

About Entergy

Entergy is a Fortune 500 company that powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at¬†entergy.com¬†and connect with¬†@Entergy¬†on social media. #WePowerLife¬†

As an industry leader, Entergy has an opportunity to help develop future generations of the energy workforce by strengthening awareness and promoting the advantages of careers in our field. We are sharpening our focus, elevating different perspectives, and ensuring that everyone with the talent and desire has an opportunity to succeed.

A sustained path forward

We have an established history of working with educational institutions to develop a workforce that not only supports our own needs, but also bolsters the continued economic development of the Gulf South region. We live here. We work here. We raise our families here. What matters to the communities we serve and to our customers, matters to us.

That’s why we’re proud to continue our longstanding support of Historically Black Colleges and Universities with a 10-year, $20 million commitment to elevate and empower the institutions and their students through academic scholarships, facility grants and endowments, workforce development programming, internship experiences, access to resources and financial aid and generational wealth building.

Education creates opportunities for all individuals to realize their full potential, and, to that end, we understand the vital role that HBCUs play. We want to broaden the path to employment for HBCU students by ensuring they have access to resources and experiences, and also by closely collaborating with their educators and administrators to ensure they are equipped with the relevant skills needed for success.

Through this $20 million commitment, we hope to see our partner schools increase student retention, improve graduation rates and expand post-graduation job placement opportunities. For the students, their families and their communities, we look forward to outcomes like increased access to capital, improved household economic stability and better lifetime earning potential.

Building on our past progress

Our commitment to supporting HBCUs creates opportunities through education, career readiness and workforce development. Since 2018, we have invested more than $7.4 million in HBCUs in our service area for facility and curriculum improvements, technology upgrades, mentoring programs, research study collaborations, internship/co-op opportunities and more.

For example, at Southern University, the Entergy Scholars Program provides engineering majors with hands-on skills that prepare them for early career positions. And to close the gap between academia and industry, our Entergy Faculty Extern Program regularly invites STEM educators from regional HBCUs to participate in facility tours and job shadowing, which helps them better prepare their students for careers in energy.

Investing in students, and in our communities, is core to our values, and we know that education alone is not enough. We must also work to close the racial wealth gap. That’s why Entergy launched program in 2023. The program consists of two components: removing barriers to student success through a partnership with Single Stop, a national nonprofit that connects students and their families to resources and funding from local, state and federal sources. The second component of the program consists of a partnership with Stackwell Capital through which we will equip students with the knowledge, tools and resources – including seeded investment accounts – to build generational wealth, which is a foundation for economic stability, access to opportunity and long-term prosperity. By investing more than $700,000 in the pilot program, our shareholders are helping 1,200 HBCU freshmen in New Orleans unlock new opportunities.

Today, with this new $20 million commitment, we are able to expand The Power of Prosperity Program throughout our service area so that HBCU students across Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and Arkansas will have new doors opened to them through our partnerships with Stackwell Capital and Single Stop.

Through these partnerships, our goal is to help students graduate on time, with minimal debt and equipped with an investment account and the ability to build wealth with intention. By investing in our HBCU students, we are investing in the next generation of leaders who will shape our communities, drive innovation and bring about positive change.

Looking ahead

An educated, skilled and diverse workforce is critical to Entergy’s long-term success, as well as the health and viability of the communities we serve. Empowering the HBCUs in our region is one of the best ways we can contribute to the quality of life in our communities.

Entergy also maintains partnerships with organizations such as the National Urban League, NAACP, the American Association of Blacks in ���ϳԹ���, National Society of Black Engineers and the Center for ���ϳԹ��� Workforce Development, which all work to foster diversity and create inclusive communities.

We also continue to collaborate with local leaders and federal policymakers to ensure that funding opportunities are prioritized and that there’s a regulatory environment conducive to growth. We’ll continue to fight for every dollar of federal funding that we can leverage to benefit our customers and communities.

I’m proud of the progress we’ve made so far, but there is more work to do. Entergy will enthusiastically take on that work to create new opportunities and forge this path forward.

and stay up-to-date with Entergy’s latest HBCU partnerships.

“Entergy is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the 3rd Annual Pride Build event,” said Nyka Scott, vice president of customer relations for Entergy New Orleans. “This partnership reflects our commitment to inclusivity and to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to live in a safe, affordable and welcoming environment.”

Decades of systemic discrimination have often barred LGBTQ+ families and individuals from homeownership. The Pride Build event raises awareness of the need for affordable housing and its power to transform lives. In partnership with local organizations and volunteers, NOAHH undertook the construction of a home for a local family in need. This project was more than just a construction endeavor. It served as a powerful statement of support and recognition for the LGBTQ+ community and highlighted the important role affordable housing plays in building strong and diverse communities.

“Our mission is to responsibly build communities where families can thrive, in homes they can afford,” said Marguerite Oestreicher, executive director of NOAHH. “By providing a safe and affordable home for the Martin family during Pride Month, we are also building a foundation of acceptance and inclusion. This project reflects our belief that everyone deserves a decent place to live regardless of their background or identity.”

The event received widespread support from the community. Volunteers from various sectors came together to contribute to the project, including over 20 staff members from Entergy New Orleans. Through the Pride Build, the participants were given a unique opportunity for employee engagement while also cultivating an environment of inclusivity and acceptance.

As the presenting sponsor, Entergy is honored to partner with NOAHH to support the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our community. We look forward to continuing our partnership with NOAHH and other organizations in our efforts in building more inclusive future.

Summer Cereal Drive��

When schools close for the summer, children especially struggle to find food to replace breakfast and lunch they were receiving at school every day. Over 60% of children in Arkansas rely on free and reduced lunches, meaning when summer comes, they are struggling to fill the gaps that those meals provided.����

Meeting the basic needs of our most vulnerable customers, such as providing hot meals, is foundational to Entergy’s corporate social responsibility objectives. Addressing food insecurity is a vital step in our strategy to develop and support poverty solutions.��

Entergy Arkansas is there to help with the summer cereal drive and other programs to help children and their families get the nourishment they need. In fact, we’re the defending champions for the Arkansas Foodbank and KTHV Channel 11 Summer Cereal Drive.����

Last year, we were the largest donor at just over $30,000 and some change. Every $1 donated can purchase one box of cereal, which provides five meals. And while the cereal and donations are collected in the summer, they are used to provide meals throughout the year to families in need.��

We’ve pledged to defend our position and bring in even more donations this year. You’ll see us at donations sites across our service territory, including Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Cabot, Hot Springs and Russellville.��

Year-round Giving��

The Arkansas Foodbank serves Central Arkansas and is one of six Feeding America food banks that helped found the . The others include , , , and the .��

Entergy Arkansas is a longtime partner to the Alliance, which seeks to advocate on food policy, provide resources, source nutritious food, secure food and funding, promote nutrition education, increase out of school meals participation, and raise awareness of hunger in the state.��

Last year, Entergy Arkansas donated $110,000 to the group as part of its Entergy Arkansas Bright Futures campaign celebrating 110 years in the state.����

Since its founding in 2001, the Alliance has grown to include more than 500 members: the original six Feeding America food bank members, local food pantries, soup kitchens, food rescue organizations, global food wholesalers and retailers, state level hunger programs and hunger advocates from around the state who are working daily to reduce hunger in Arkansas.��

Programs through the Alliance and sponsored by Entergy Arkansas this year will include the Hunger Action Breakfast, Serving Up Solutions, Watermelon Crawl and .��

While we are putting a lot of effort into addressing food insecurity in June, you’ll also see us serving in our community in other ways. One grantee we’ll be volunteering to help with is Mosaic Templars Cultural Center commemoration, which happens all month long. It’s one of several ways we help create and celebrate diversity, inclusion and belonging for our employees and our communities.