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West Virginia American Water Proudly Recognizes the American Water Charitable Foundation 2023 Workforce Readiness and STEM Education Grantees

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (Nov. 28, 2023) – The American Water Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., recently announced three organizations were awarded a 2023 Workforce Readiness or STEM Education Grant, supporting communities served by West Virginia American Water.

“By investing in STEM education and workforce readiness-focused initiatives, we are not only preparing our future leaders for the challenges of tomorrow but building the framework for innovation and economic vitality,” said Rob Burton, president of West Virginia American Water. “These programs lay the groundwork for a skilled workforce, empowering individuals to contribute meaningfully to the ever-evolving landscape of our diverse communities across the Mountain State."

Communities in Schools of West Virginia secured a $25,000 grant to support its Steps to Student Success Program, providing high schoolers a nurturing environment and professional attire for the workplace.

"We are immensely grateful for West Virginia American Water and the American Water Charitable Foundation's generous grant opportunity, which will enrich the lives of our students and empower them to reach their full potential,” said West Virginia First Lady Cathy Justice. “This investment in our children's futures is an investment in the very fabric of West Virginia's success."

Mission West Virginia obtained a $25,000 grant to fund its Bridge Program, a mentorship initiative focused on at-risk youth, including those in foster care and homeless teens. The program is dedicated to fostering graduation and post-secondary planning.

“The need for children in foster and kinship care to have an advocate, someone who will work with them every day to achieve their academic goals, is insurmountable,” said Kelly Thompson, Executive Director. “This partnership with the American Water Charitable Foundation and West Virginia American Water exemplifies what can be achieved when members of our community join forces for real change, and we are hopeful to do even more to create a brighter, more equitable future for our youth in foster care.” 

The West Virginia Manufacturers Association Educational Fund received a $19,820 grant to enhance its Explore the New Manufacturing Program, aiming to bolster careers in the manufacturing industry. The program focuses on academic preparation for advanced and technical roles.

“With the American Water Charitable Foundation’s generous gift to the Explore the New Manufacturing Program, our organization will expand hands-on educational activities to equip middle and high school students to gain critical career skill sets and a pathway to employment,” said Monica Cross, executive director of West Virginia Manufacturers Association Educational Fund. “The Explore Program will be able to engage more students and schools in our educational efforts geared toward helping retain young talent in the West Virginia manufacturing industry.”

These grants, part of the American Water Charitable Foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, align with its three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities, emphasizing Workforce Readiness and STEM Education.


“The American Water Charitable Foundation is pleased to partner with organizations across West Virginia to cultivate the next generations of leaders,” said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. "The Foundation is delighted to join these young adults on their path to a bright and prosperous future.”


Learn more about West Virginia American Water’s community impact, here.

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s 6,500 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formally Twitter) and Instagram.

About American Water Charitable Foundation
The American Water Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides a formal way to demonstrate the company’s ongoing commitment to be a good neighbor, citizen, and contributor to the communities where American Water and its employees live, work and operate. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf and follow the American Water Charitable Foundation on Facebook.

About West Virginia American Water 

West Virginia American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 587,000 people. 

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West Virginia American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 587,000 people. For more information, visit www.westvirginiaamwater.com and follow West Virginia American Water on Twitter and Facebook.