Coast Electric, its members, and the Coast Electric Community Trust Committee have announced a $10,000 Operation Round Up grant for the Picayune Carver Culture Center, Inc. The funding will support the center’s Youth Enrichment Program (YEP), an initiative focused on academic and personal development for local students.

Coast Electric members voluntarily “round up” their monthly electric bills to the nearest dollar, contributing the difference to community-focused projects and making the grant possible.

“We are extremely grateful for every contribution made so that together, we can continue making a great difference in the community,” said Vinner Scott, Executive Director of the Picayune Carver Culture Center.

The YEP program provides after-school tutoring from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with a curriculum emphasizing reading, math, homework assistance, computer instruction, life skills, health and wellness, civic engagement, history, and art enrichment. During the summer, participants engage in community projects such as the MLK Day of Service, the Juneteenth Celebration, and the Community Back to School Project. The program is offered at no cost to participants.

“The Picayune Carver Culture Center and its Board of Trustees, led by Leavern Guy, would like to thank Coast Electric, its members, and the Coast Electric Community Trust Committee for trusting in our vision to move this community forward with their generosity and support,” Scott said.

Each year, Coast Electric celebrates its customers’ generosity and grant recipients’ impactful work, which aims to improve the quality of life in Hancock, Harrison, and Pearl River counties.