Alabama Power has been named a 2015 top supporter of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), marking its second consecutive year on a prestigious list of U.S. companies.

US Black Engineer and Information Technology magazine annually surveys the deans of the 15 accredited HBCU engineering programs and the corporate-academic alliance “Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering” (AMIE). The deans name the corporate and government/nonprofit organizations that provide the most support to their schools.

Alabama Power ranked 15^th in the latest listing, behind Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman and Chevron, among others, but ahead of Volkswagen and IBM in the Top 20.

In completing this annual survey, the institution executives consider the following factors: support for infrastructure modernization and enhancement, research and mentorship projects; participation on advisory councils; faculty development opportunities; scholarships; student projects; stipends; co-ops; and career opportunities.

“Supporting HBCUs is essential to the development of our nation’s potential,” said AMIE Chairman and Vice President Darryl Stokes. “America’s HBCUs have produced many leaders across all professions, and continue to be an engine of economic growth, both in the surrounding communities and for the graduates of the institutions.”

Representing 2.3 percent of all colleges and universities, HBCUs are a source of accomplishment and great pride for the African-American community and the nation, said AMIE Co-chairwoman Amanda Goodson. “This college population produces more than 32 percent of African-American graduates. Approximately one-third of African-American graduates in science and engineering are produced at HBCUs, and one-quarter of Ph.D.s in science and engineering receive their undergraduate degrees at HBCUs.”

Alabama A&M and Tuskegee University are the HBCU engineering programs in Alabama.