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Recipients include three nonprofit organizations across the Commonwealth, receiving $75K in total funding
MECHANICSBURG, Pa., December 19, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Water Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., and Pennsylvania American Water recently announced that three nonprofit educational institutions were each awarded a $25,000 Workforce Readiness Grant.
"We are grateful to the American Water Charitable Foundation for their generous workforce development grant," said Regina Hiler, executive director of Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School, one of the organizations awarded a grant. "This funding will enhance our training and education efforts, equipping our students with essential skills for their futures. We look forward to the positive impact this grant will have on our community and students."
Below is a list of the 2024 grantees throughout Pennsylvania, along with a brief description of how the $25,000 in funding will be used:
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Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School, Butler County – Grant funds will be used to underwrite the purchase of equipment for educating and training students to prepare them for high-priority occupations.
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Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, Lancaster County – Grant funds will be used to enhance outreach and curriculum related to the institution’s Water and Environment Technology Program, as well as to provide scholarships for financially disadvantaged students.
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Western Area Career and Technology Center, Washington County – Grant funds will be used to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) for underserved students.
"The importance of developing a skilled workforce cannot be understated," said Pennsylvania American Water President Justin Ladner, who also serves on the American Water Charitable Foundation board of trustees. "At Pennsylvania American Water, about 22% of our workforce is already eligible to retire, and that number increases to around 36% when we look five years out. We know other companies in the communities we serve may have similar challenges to face in the coming years. For that reason, the American Water Charitable Foundation and Pennsylvania American Water are glad to proactively address financial support of schools that are educating our next generation of leaders."
The Workforce Readiness grant is part of the American Water Charitable Foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, focusing on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. This opportunity focuses on general career readiness, financial and business literacy, positive youth development and life skills training.