American Water Charitable Foundation Awards $50,000 in Workforce Readiness and STEM Education Grants in Virginia

Virginia American Water partners with seven nonprofit organizations to support career readiness, STEM education and workforce development programs

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., recently announced seven organizations supporting communities served by Virginia American Water received Workforce Readiness and STEM Education grants.

"We're incredibly grateful to Virginia American Water for believing in Cornerstone Craftsman and, more importantly, believing in the potential of Alexandria's young people. Their investment gives us the ability to create real pathways into careers that lead to stability, self-sufficiency, and family-sustaining wages," stated Roberto Gomez, Executive Director, Cornerstone Craftsman. "Support like this reminds us that we are not doing this work alone, and it gives us even greater confidence in what is possible when a community chooses to invest intentionally in its young people and their future."

"Investing in education and workforce development aligns with the values of American Water" noted Laura Runkle, President, Virginia American Water. "A well-prepared workforce not only opens doors for individuals but also strengthens the communities they live in," she continued. "When students and young adults have access to quality STEM education and career readiness programs, they gain the skills and confidence needed to pursue meaningful careers and contribute to the local economy."

The Workforce Readiness and STEM Education grants are part of the American Water Charitable Foundation's Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, focusing on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. These grant programs support general career readiness, financial and business literacy, positive youth development, STEM education and access to high-quality learning.

This year's Virginia Workforce Readiness and STEM Education grantees include:

• Miles B Carpenter Friends of the Museum 
• Lamb Center for the Arts & Healing
• Hopewell-Prince George Friends of the Library
• Pink Space Theory
• The Friends of the Cape Charles Memorial Library
• Scholarship Fund of Alexandria
• Cornerstone Craftsman

"The American Water Charitable Foundation is proud to partner with organizations across the Commonwealth that are helping prepare students and young adults for future success," said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. "Through these grants, we are investing in programs that expand access to education, career exploration and workforce readiness opportunities."

Learn more about 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 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 Virginia American Water
Virginia American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water company in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 384,000 people. For more information, visit www.virginiaamwater.com and join Virginia American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.

Media Contact
Marybeth Leongini
Senior External Affairs Manager
Virginia American Water
[email protected] 

American Water Charitable Foundation Media Contact:
[email protected] 

SOURCE American Water