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Pacific Power announces new grants supporting education and STEAM learning programs in Washington
The funding helps schools and organizations working to strengthen their communities and build brighter opportunities for the future
YAKIMA, Wash. (Sept. 15 2021) — An early, solid foundation in education – including the STEAM fields of science, technology, engineering, the arts and math – can benefit students and their communities for a lifetime. It’s the reason why Pacific Power is deeply committed to helping schools and organizations nurture the next generation of thinkers and doers.
As part of this commitment, the PacifiCorp Foundation, a nonprofit arm of Pacific Power, is donating $630,000 in new grant funding across the six states it serves to support education and STEAM learning projects. Some of the grants will also go to help community organizations continuing to respond to COVID-related needs. This latest round of funding is one of the four grant cycles offered by the foundation annually.
“We believe in the power of education to create a lifetime of opportunity,” said Toni Petty, Pacific Power regional business manager, Washington. “Alongside these dedicated organizations, we’re determined to empower the next generation by creating and promoting hands-on, inclusive learning opportunities for children, teens and young adults. These curious minds will become our scientists, engineers, technicians and creators who will provide innovative solutions for the future and help guide the growth of our communities.”
The latest education and STEAM grants complement many of the ways Pacific Power and its employees are helping to foster STEAM learning in their communities throughout the year – whether launching or participating in STEAM programs and fairs, providing hands-on mentorship inside and outside classrooms, or funding virtual education opportunities to keep students connected during COVID.
The following 11 grants were given to Washington organizations:
- Clark College Foundation for the Pacific Power STEM Scholarship Fund that helps students in traditionally underserved groups pursue careers in STEM fields.
- Early Life Speech and Language for no-cost, individualized speech therapy to help young children succeed in school and in life.
- Friends of Union Gap Library and Community Center for construction of the Children’s Story Wall that will engage and encourage early readers.
- Friends of Union Gap Library and Community Center for creation of an outdoor space for family-friendly activities, musical events and BBQ classes.
- Heritage University to expand scholarship support for students pursuing STEM degrees.
- Junior Achievement of Washington to help mitigate the financial impact of COVID-19 on the BizTown and Finance Park programs that help elementary and middle-school students learn about careers and financial literacy.
- Mt. Adams School District to help create a safe playground area for primary students.
- Plus Delta After School Studios for The Club, which provides a safe, encouraging after-school space where Dayton School District K-8 students can get the homework help they need to succeed.
- Tri-State Steelheaders to support the Salmon in School environmental education program that provides classrooms with an aquarium and supplies so students get hands-on lessons in the salmon life cycle and watershed health.
- Walla Walla Community College Foundation for the Pacific Power Scholarship Fund that helps underserved students achieve a college degree.
- Washington State University Vancouver to expand the Pacific Power Scholarship in Renewable Energy Education program to help first-generation college students seeking careers in renewable energy.
About the Pacific Power Foundation:
The Pacific Power Foundation is part of the PacifiCorp Foundation, one of the largest utility-endowed foundations in the United States. The foundation was created in 1988 by PacifiCorp, an electric utility serving 2 million customers in six western states as Pacific Power (Oregon, Washington and California) and Rocky Mountain Power (Utah, Wyoming and Idaho). The foundation’s mission, through charitable investments, is to support the growth and vitality of the communities served by Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power. The next grant cycle is now open through Sept. 15; organizations may apply online. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net/foundation.
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