Press Release: JRA Receives Grant from American Water Charitable Foundation

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 25, 2022

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James River Association Receives Grant from American Water Charitable Foundation to Provide Education to Hopewell City Students

The James River Association announced today it was awarded a 2022 American Water Charitable Foundation Water and Environment Grant, supporting river-based environmental education for students in Hopewell City Public Schools. The grant ensures 9th, 10th and 11th grade environmental science students will have an opportunity to directly connect environmental concepts learned during class to the James River through field based activities.  Land-based activities include lessons on native and non-native plants and the benefits of wetlands. During water-based activities, conducted in canoes or kayaks, students paddle into the tidal wetlands of the James River to observe birds, plants and the natural ecosystem. 

“JRA is grateful to American Water for our continued partnership,” said Shawn Ralston, VP of Programs for the James River Association. “Because of American Water’s contribution, JRA is able to engage about 350 Hopewell High School environmental science students. Our program will use Hopewell’s history as a framework to share lessons on the significance of the James, and the responsibility we all share to take action to promote conservation and environmental stewardship.”

The Water and the 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 publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company, and aims to support high-impact projects and initiatives that further American Water’s commitment to support ESG (environment, social and governance), as well as inclusion, diversity and equity.

“The American Water Charitable Foundation is committed to participating and investing in programs that benefit communities served by American Water,” said Carrie Williams, president, American Water Charitable Foundation.  “We are proud to further American Water’s ongoing commitment to being a good neighbor and good steward of the environment.”

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 to serve as a guardian and voice for 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. The James River Association believes that “when you change the James, the James changes you”. 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 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 and follow the American Water Charitable Foundation on Facebook.

About American Water
With a history dating back to 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and diversityataw.com.  Follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.