Media students in Nashville, Arkansas flipped the script and became community teachers in a recent collaboration with SWEPCO.
Nashville Scrap Media team members shown in their classroom where they work on a range of video projects.
Front (L to R): Landyn Tompkins and Hailey Cano
Back (L to R): Connor Crabtree, Ben Gregory, Scrap Media Instructor Carolanne Pinegar, and Heiland Tatum-Gaines
Students from the audio/visual Scrap Media Team embraced the challenge of spreading the word about the Federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), equipping their neighbors with essential info on winter heating assistance. The students and their teacher Carolanne Pinegar, known affectionately as “Ms. P” emphasized that real-world projects like this provide invaluable experience and help them explore potential careers.
Their assignment? Help their neighbors, parents, and residents of Howard County, Arkansas, understand the benefits of LIHEAP and teach them how to apply for this essential winter support.
In Arkansas, the LIHEAP winter heating application window opened on January 6, arriving at a critical moment for income-qualified residents in need of assistance with heating costs. Recently winter storm Cora left snow and ice in the region and this latest Arctic blast plunged temperatures below freezing. Arkansas customers can apply now through April 30 for the federal LIHEAP winter heating help. SWEPCO customers can also find specific help based on every budget by answering a few simple questions at swepco.com/billhelp.
“If someone in Arkansas is in need of winter heating assistance, we encourage them to start applying,” said Tiffany Smith, planning and development program manager at Central Arkansas Development Council, a community action agency. Arkansas residents can find more information about where to apply by visiting the Arkansas Department of Energy & Environment to find the community-based organization or CBO that administers the program in each Arkansas county.
Scrap Media is part of Nashville High School's business department led by Pinegar. The class focuses on using technology to create video projects and graphics to promote school activities and athletics. Under the guidance of Pinegar, the students interviewed SWEPCO representatives, gained insights into corporate communications, and even conducted live interviews with an Arkansas LIHEAP expert from Little Rock.
“This class gives them the opportunity to work under pressure and interact with the public,” said Nashville High School Scrap Media instructor Carolanne Pinegar. “Through this collaboration with SWEPCO, the students not only served their community but also gained knowledge about business, learning that collaboration and constructive feedback are essential skills.”
"I was able to use my first language for something that really matters and for that I am forever thankful. Muchas Gracias for la experiencia, SWEPCO,” said Scrap Media team member and Nashville High School student Hailey Cano.
Through the experience, students created a helpful video in English and Spanish to share simple facts about the program and help county residents know how to apply.
"I gained insight into how the professional world communicates using outlets such as Microsoft Teams and email. I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of something special," said Scrap Media student Connor Crabtree.
SWEPCO packaged the students' informative video and shared it directly with customers through an email marketing campaign focused on Howard County customers, ensuring that essential information about LIHEAP reaches them and spotlights the positive work from the students in the community.
“Working with the Scrap Media team to create a video specific for Howard County was a fun part of our outreach efforts and we were energized by visiting with these student leaders,” said Amanda Keeney, Director, SWEPCO Corporate Communications.
Last April, SWEPCO worked with the DQTV in De Queen, Arkansas, to share important information about the solar eclipse and looks forward to other school collaborations. Educators interested in similar communication outreach projects should contact SWEPCO’s corporate communications team.
“We're committed to helping all our customers understand the many ways they can save time, money, and energy, and appreciate the Scrap Media Team for making a difference in their community.” Keeney said.