American Water Charitable Foundation Awards $10,000 Grant to Expand STEM Learning at Putnam Museum

Funding supports hands-on learning, STEM career exploration and museum access for families facing financial barriers

DAVENPORT, Iowa, Nov. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic nonprofit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), and Iowa American Water announced today that the Foundation awarded a $10,000 STEM Education grant to the Putnam Museum and Science Center. The grant will support the museum's STEM education curriculum and programming, including expanded middle-school STEM career exploration, hands-on learning experiences and targeted access for children and families who face financial barriers to participating in museum programs.

"We're honored to receive this American Water Charitable Foundation grant. It will allow us to both partner with schools to enhance STEM curiosity and skills through new units for students in grades K–8 and help us serve students outside of school via means such as new AI Lego workshops for middle schoolers, STEAM Saturdays, and a no-cost event for families with limited financial resources. We are truly grateful for the Foundation's and Iowa American Water's commitment to giving kids the skills and knowledge necessary to flourish in modern society," said Cindy Diehl Yang, president and CEO of the Putnam Museum.

The grant will also support a specially arranged family STEM experience. Invited children and families from low-income and traditionally underrepresented communities will have access to the Science Center and other galleries. The museum has welcomed Iowa American Water employees as volunteers or activity presenters.

"At Iowa American Water, we're proud to support STEM education that helps young people see what's possible for their future," said Brad Nielsen, president of Iowa American Water. "Hands-on experiences at the Putnam Museum can spark an interest in science and technology and help build the pipeline of future professionals our industry and communities need. Through the American Water Charitable Foundation's support, this grant also helps open doors for children and families facing financial barriers, giving more students the opportunity to explore, learn and envision themselves in a STEM career."

The STEM Education grant is part of the American Water Charitable Foundation's Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, which focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. STEM Education grants support STEM-focused curricular and extracurricular programs for students.

"The American Water Charitable Foundation is proud to support initiatives that provide access to high-quality learning students need to be successful," said Carrie Williams, president of the American Water Charitable Foundation. "We take pride in supporting Iowa American Water's continued efforts to be a responsible neighbor and partner in the community."

Learn more about Iowa American Water's community impact at iowaamwater.com.

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 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 19 military installations. American Water's approximately 7,000 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 and Instagram.

About American Water Charitable Foundation
The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water, focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested over $25 million in funding through grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water. The Foundation is funded by American Water shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf.

About Iowa American Water
Iowa American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state with approximately 90 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 225,000 people.  

SOURCE American Water