American Water Charitable Foundation Awards $75,000 in Workforce Readiness and STEM Education Grants Across New Jersey

American Water Charitable Foundation Awards $75,000 in Workforce Readiness and STEM Education Grants Across New Jersey

New Jersey American Water partners with four nonprofit organizations to support career readiness, STEM education and workforce development programs CAMDEN, N.J. , Aug. 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 four organizations supporting communities served by New Jersey American Water received grants, including two Workforce Readiness grants and two STEM Education grants. 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 and access to high-quality learning. Pictured from left are James Horne Jr., president and CEO, Junior Achievement of New Jersey; Rick Lipman, development manager, Junior Achievement of New Jersey; and Doreene Bennett, senior workforce development program manager, New Jersey American Water. Pictured from left are Erin Banes, senior manager of external communications, New Jersey American Water; Frederick Hage, senior director of development, Students 2 Science; Doreene Bennett, senior workforce development program manager, New Jersey American Water; Charlie Bell, external affairs intern, New Jersey American Water; and Joey Rodriguez, senior external affairs specialist, American Water. Pictured from left are Doreene Bennett, senior workforce development program manager, New Jersey American Water; Jameelah Newton-Jenkins, education and grants manager, King’s Daughters Day School; and Carrie Williams, president, American Water Charitable Foundation. Pictured from left are Chelsea Kulp, director of communications and external affairs, New Jersey American Water; Carrie Williams, president, American Water Charitable Foundation; Bernadette Murphy, executive director, St. Joseph Social Service Center; Doreene Bennett, senior workforce development program manager, New Jersey American Water; and Kim S. Downes, vice president of business development and government and external affairs, New Jersey American Water. "The American Water Charitable Foundation is proud to partner with organizations across New Jersey 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." This year's New Jersey Workforce Readiness and STEM Education grantees include: Junior Achievement of New Jersey Junior Achievement of New Jersey was awarded $25,000 to expand career readiness and financial literacy programming that helps students develop essential workplace skills, explore career pathways and gain practical experience through hands-on learning opportunities. The program prepares young people to succeed in a rapidly changing workforce while strengthening their confidence and leadership abilities. "Support from the American Water Charitable Foundation plays a vital role in helping us fulfill our mission. Every dollar invested in career-connected learning is an investment in a young person's ability to see and reach a future filled with opportunity," said James Horne Jr., president and CEO, Junior Achievement of New Jersey . "With the Foundation's generosity, we can continue ensuring that every JA student, regardless of circumstance, has the skills, confidence and connections needed to thrive in tomorrow's economy." Students 2 Science Students 2 Science was awarded $25,000 to support immersive STEM learning experiences that connect students with real-world science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers. Through hands-on laboratory prog...