23 Jun 2025 Entergy Arkansas powers ASU-Beebe Discovery Camp with grant

BEEBE — Arkansas State University-Beebe proudly announces a $2,500 grant from Entergy Arkansas, presented Wednesday to support the college’s popular Vanguard Discovery Camp. The donation will help expand opportunities for young minds to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) this summer.

Volunteer linemen and supervisors and other representatives from Entergy visited the ASU-Beebe campus to present the check and engage with camp participants, offering an exciting presentation that delved into the fascinating world of electricity, including the history of linemen and the captivating science behind arcs and sparks. 

ASU-Beebe’s Vanguard Discovery Camp has a rich history of fostering curiosity and hands-on learning. For years, the camp, formerly known as the STEAM Camp, has provided engaging, age-appropriate activities designed to introduce students, typically entering grades 4-6, to diverse STEAM concepts and potential career paths. Past sessions have included robotics, coding, first aid training, and various scientific experiments, all aimed at igniting a passion for discovery in a fun, no-pressure environment.

The grant funding was secured through an “Open” grant application to the Entergy Charitable Foundation. This grant award is based on the organization’s alignment with the Entergy Charitable Foundation’s philanthropic focus on sustaining families with poverty solutions, education and workforce opportunities, and environmental stewardship. 

“This summer camp was elevated thanks to the generous support from Entergy,” said Angie Stroud, ASU-Beebe development officer. “The Arcs and Sparks demonstration was the perfect finishing touch—an electrifying experience that left a lasting impression on all our campers. Entergy truly embodies the spirit of STEAM, inspiring the next generation of innovators.” 

The Vanguard Discovery Camp provides an opportunity for children to explore different concepts and potentially uncover a field that will interest them for future careers. This collaboration between ASU-Beebe and Entergy Arkansas exemplifies a shared dedication to enhancing educational opportunities and empowering young people across the state.

Entergy Arkansas, LLC provides electricity to approximately 733,000 customers in Arkansas. Entergy Arkansas is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations.

For more information about programs offered at ASU-Beebe, call 501.882.3600 or visit asub.edu.