Entergy Arkansas Launches $20M Power of Prosperity Initiative to Support HBCUs and Future Leaders


11/07/2025


Entergy Arkansas is investing in the state’s future workforce and developing the next generation of leaders through new collaborations with four of Arkansas’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

At a press event held at Philander Smith University in Little Rock, company executives announced the Arkansas debut of Power of Prosperity—a multi-year, $20 million initiative aimed at creating greater opportunities for students and strengthening communities across Entergy’s four-state service region.

The initiative supports Arkansas Baptist College, Philander Smith University, Shorter College, and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff through a range of resources, including scholarships, internships, financial literacy training, and campus enhancement grants.

“This initiative is about more than providing scholarships — it’s about expanding opportunity,” said Laura Landreaux, president and CEO of Entergy Arkansas. “By investing in students and our state’s HBCUs, we’re not only powering homes and businesses — we’re empowering future leaders who will shape Arkansas’s tomorrow.”

Power of Prosperity aligns with Entergy’s broader mission to “power life” by fostering prosperity and progress within the communities it serves. The program equips students with education, career development, and financial tools designed to support long-term achievement.

Ventrell Thompson, Entergy Arkansas’s vice president of customer service, emphasized that these partnerships play a vital role in nurturing the state’s talent pipeline. “We want students to build the skills and confidence needed for successful careers — and to build their futures right here in Arkansas,” Thompson said. “This partnership is an investment in people, in potential, and in our state’s future.”

Beyond academics, the initiative extends its impact through collaborations with Stackwell Capital and Single Stop, providing students and families with access to financial wellness tools and essential support services.

The program also complements Entergy’s Accessing Careers in Energy Summit (ACES), a regional workforce initiative introducing students to careers in the energy sector. This year, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff joined ACES for the first time, further connecting students to opportunities in energy, technology, and engineering.

Ultimately, Power of Prosperity reflects Entergy’s commitment to community growth and shared success. By joining forces with institutions that have long championed education and inclusion, Entergy is helping to build a brighter, more equitable future for Arkansas.

Click here to know more about Entergy’s Power of Prosperity program and its commitment to education and workforce development.