The American Water Charitable Foundation recently launched its 2023 Workforce Readiness and STEM Education Grant cycles for nonprofit programs supporting general career readiness, financial and business literacy and positive youth development, as well as STEM-focused curriculum.
The foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility in the United States. Foundation grants support three pillars of giving: water, people and communities. Eligible charitable nonprofits can apply for Workforce Readiness and STEM Education grants through Sept. 30, 2023. Grant decisions will be made by Nov. 15.
“The American Water Charitable Foundation is delighted to launch the 2023 Workforce Readiness and STEM Education Grant Programs, supporting impactful initiatives and programs throughout American Water’s national footprint,” said Carrie Williams, president of the American Water Charitable Foundation.
“These grant programs provide eligible organizations an opportunity to help train and hone key skills for current and future leaders in the workplace and will provide underserved students access to high-quality learning they need to succeed,” Williams said.
In 2022, the American Water Charitable Foundation awarded $750,000 in Workforce Readiness and STEM Education grants to organizations located in communities served by American Water, including Junior Achievement of New Jersey.
“Through a generous Workforce Readiness grant provided by the American Water Charitable Foundation, JA of New Jersey was able to expand statewide educational outreach through our Preparing New Jersey’s Students Today for Tomorrow’s Workplace program,” said James Horne, Jr., president and CEO of Junior Achievement of New Jersey, who is also an NJBIA board member.
“At JA, we are dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their success, plan for their futures and make smart academic and economic choices, and we simply could not do it without our corporate and community partners,” Horne said.
Since 2012, the American Water Charitable Foundation has invested $12 million in funding through grants and matching gifts that are important to American Water’s employees and positively impact the communities where they live and work.
To be eligible for workforce readiness grants, the nonprofit’s program must be focused on general career readiness, financial and business literacy, positive youth development, mentoring, and life skills to help prepare future leaders of tomorrow. Programs with a strong focus on inclusion, diversity and equity will be prioritized.
STEM Education grants are for STEM-focused curricular and extracurricular programs that provide underserved students access to high-quality learning they need to succeed. Programs that provide an opportunity for American Water employee engagement will be prioritized. Learn more about the American Water Charitable Foundation and how to apply for grants here.
