Contribution supports scholarships in STEM-related fields
Permian Basin Area Foundation received a generous gift of $5,000 from TXU Energy to the Permian Basin Scholarship for Petroleum or Mechanical Engineering Fund, which supports area students pursuing STEM-related higher education. TXU Energy is also Permian Basin Area Foundation’s retail electric provider, helping supply the Foundation’s newly-opened office building with 100-percent renewable Texas wind energy.
“Permian Basin Area Foundation is grateful for this gift from TXU Energy. Providing West Texas students with scholarships is one of our greatest honors. We are also proud to partner with TXU Energy on sustainable energy options for our new building,” stated Aaron Bedell, chief operating officer of Permian Basin Area Foundation. “Utilizing renewable energy sources to power our offices in a clean and efficient manner helps us reduce our energy bills over the long-term and allows us to maximize our capacity to give back as much as possible to our nonprofit community.”
Officially completed in May 2018, the new 10,000-square-foot office building is powered by rooftop solar panels installed by the Foundation, along with wind power supplied by TXU Energy.
“We are truly honored to support the Permian Basin Area Foundation. Our partnership illustrates how nonprofits and businesses can work together to achieve common goals, such as improving our communities and developing innovative energy solutions,” said Danny Smedley, TXU Energy senior sales executive. “Permian Basin Area Foundation and its employees are innovative, forward-thinking community leaders, and we’re proud to help them achieve their sustainability goals.”
The Foundation offers scholarships from more than 80 funds to those pursuing higher education and vocational opportunities. While most Foundation scholarships are available to students originating from the Permian Basin region, each scholarship is unique in its focus and criteria. Last year more than $520,000 was awarded to students in the form of scholarships.
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