According to Joseph H. “Jodie” Cotten, Jr., General Manager of Pointe Coupee Electric in New Roads, Louisiana, youth and education are a top priority of the co-op. For over 20 years the co-op has adopted over 16 schools in the parishes they serve; Iberville, Pointe Coupee and West Baton Rouge Parishes. Cotten stated “Pointe Coupee Electric is totally committed to our members and continually strives to improve the quality of life in its communities. The welfare and education of the children are a top priority. The children are our future.”

The co-op’s commitment to education is very evident in the number of educational programs it has implemented in its local schools throughout its tri-parish service area.
Each year Pointe Coupee Electric provides educational mini-grants to its local schools through its Adopt-A-School Program. The schools receive approximately $7,000 annually to be used towards academic programs and projects. In addition to the funds, the co-op staff also conduct electrical safety presentations for its elementary students and serve as judges for 4-H and Short Course events as well as Science and Social Studies fairs.

Pointe Coupee Electric supports the local 4-H Clubs by providing an annual $500 mini-grant to each of the 4-H clubs in the three parishes it serves. These funds are used to sponsor educational and awards programs. Because 4-H is vital to the development of morals, character, high standards and responsibility in our youth, these funds will enable more participation in these programs.

The co-op sponsors three $500 continuing education scholarships each year to graduating seniors who attend one of its adopted schools.

Each year Pointe Coupee Electric presents approximately 30 Math and Science Awards to elementary, jr. high and high school students who excel in these academic areas. Approximately $1500 in savings bonds are presented to the award recipients.

The electric co-op sponsors a writing contest each year for high school juniors in which three winners are chosen, one from each parish Pointe Coupee Electric serves. The winners receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C. where they will learn more about how state and federal governments operate, visit many historical monuments and sites including the White House and the U.S. Capitol Building, and visit with local congressmen and legislators. The total cost of the trip exceeds $5000.

Pointe Coupee Electric is truly a committed partner in the local education system. The co-op is much more than an electric company. It is connecting people....impacting lives!

For more informaiton contact:

Joanie Bishop - jbishop@pcemc.org
225-638-3751