CEDEP's silver anniversary

Designated a national model program by the U.S. Department of Energy, Fort Valley State University’s Cooperative Developmental Energy Program is celebrating 25 years of service.

CDEP helps minority and female students gain entry into oil and energy industry careers. To commemorate the silver anniversary, representatives from B.P. Corporation, Exxon-Mobil, Shell Oil Company and several governmental regulatory agencies will visit FVSU’s campus bringing contributions totaling more than $800,000 to fund student scholarships.

A press conference begins at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 4 in the C. W. Pettigrew Center. The 25th Annual Energy Career Day Luncheon begins at 11:15 a.m. in the same location. During the luncheon, 20 students will receive full CDEP scholarships valued at $50,000 each.

CDEP students attend FVSU in a science or mathematics-related track for three years; then transfer to a partner institution for two years to pursue an energy-related degree. Upon graduation, students receive two bachelor’s degrees – one from FVSU, another from the partner university. To date, more than 1,200 students have participated in the program and received $8 million in scholarships.

CDEP sponsors include ConocoPhillips, Shell Oil Company, Atlanta Gas & Light, ExxonMobil, BP America, Halliburton, Marathon Oil Company, BP America, and governmental agencies such as the U.S. Geological Survey and the U. S. Department of Energy-National Nuclear Security Administration.

For more information, contact Dr. Isaac J. Crumbly or Jackie Hodges at (478) 825-6243