PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 2, 2024
CONTACT:
Erin Hillert, James River Association
(e) ehillert@thejamesriver.org (c) 608.239.2644
James River Association Awarded American Water Charitable Foundation 2024 Water and Environment Grant
[HOPEWELL, VA] – MAY 2, 2024 – The James River Association (JRA) announced today that it was awarded an American Water Charitable Foundation 2024 Water and Environment grant, focusing on providing river-based environmental education to high school biology students at Hopewell City Public Schools. This grant will ensure that during the 2024-2025 school year approximately 350 Hopewell City Public Schools high school biology students, primarily in the 9th and 10th grades, will participate in both in-class lessons at school and a field-based watershed curriculum experience at JRA’s new James A. Buzzard River Education Center in Richmond. Specifically, funding will support an 8-hour professional development session for Hopewell biology teachers, 2 in-class lesson days, 14 field experiences, and associated costs for JRA’s environmental educators to plan and deliver the program, basic program supplies, and bus transportation.
“The James River Association is excited to work with Hopewell City Public Schools high school students and teachers and welcome them to our brand new James A. Buzzard River Education Center,” said Nat Draper, Director of Education for JRA. “Thanks to support of the American Water Charitable Foundation, we look forward to providing river-based, interactive education that aligns with the current Standards of Learning biology curriculum. This is the first time we have worked with biology teachers in Hopewell, and we are thrilled to conduct a professional development training with them during the 2024-25 school year.”
The Water and Environment grant is part of the American Water Charitable Foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., and aims to support high-impact projects and initiatives that further American Water’s commitment to ESG, as well as inclusion, diversity and equity.
“The American Water Charitable Foundation is committed to participating and investing in organizations and programs that benefit the diverse communities served by American Water,” said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. “We take pride and are proud to further American Water’s ongoing commitment to being a good neighbor and strong partner in the community.”
Learn more about our mission and community impact at thejamesriver.org.
About the James River Association
The James River Association is a member-supported nonprofit organization founded in 1976 that serves the waterways and communities of the James River. Throughout the James River’s 10,000 square mile watershed, the James River Association works toward its vision of a fully healthy James River supporting thriving communities. With offices in Lynchburg, Richmond, Williamsburg, and Scottsville, the James River Association is committed to protecting the James River and connecting people to it. For more information visit www.thejamesriver.org.
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 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.