BP gives $2.5 million to Southern, six other La. schools

Southern University and A&M College was one of six Louisiana colleges and universities to share in a $2.25 million grant from the BP Foundation.

The grants will support math and science enrichment programs, as well as scholarships and curriculum enhancement for technical programs that provide training for jobs in the oil and gas industry.

"We believe in the power of partnerships in the communities in which we operate,� said Lamar McKay, chairman and president of BP America. "Our investment will offer students the skills necessary to enter and succeed in the local workforce."

Schools receiving grants are: Southern, Delgado Community College; Dillard University; Fletcher Technical Community College; Sowela Technical Community College; and

Xavier University of Louisiana.

Southern, Dillard and Xavier will conduct intensive science and math summer enrichment campus for high-school students.

Annual grant awards to institutions range from $50,000 to $275,000 per year.