The American Water Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water, the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company, recently announced that three local organizations have been awarded STEM (science, technology, education, math) Education Grants, supporting communities served by Tennessee American Water.
“Getting children interested in STEM concepts early on can help create a spark that lasts a lifetime,” said Tennessee American Water President Grant Evitts.
“These STEM grants will allow local organizations like Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center to provide students, who otherwise may not have these opportunities, STEM-related activities.”
The STEM Education 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. Reflection Riding is among three grantees in Tennessee and has been awarded $5,000 to fund a pilot STEM spring break camp at no-cost to Hamilton County underserved students.
“We believe that young people, regardless their economic status, deserve opportunities to learn in and appreciate the outdoors,” said Mark McKnight, Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center CEO. “By piloting this fun and educational program, we can challenge children’s minds and abilities and allow them to explore, play and create across our 300-acre wildland campus. It also assists families with limited financial resources and options for childcare when there are school breaks.”
The other two recipients are the following:
• YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga YCAP Girls STEM Group received a $6,000 grant to serve underrepresented girls with career exploration through hands-on, innovative afterschool activities.
• Girls Incorporated of Chattanooga received a $15,000 grant to educate, engage and expose girls to STEM activities and STEM careers.