Grant to support outdoor STEM learning opportunities for youth
SHELBYVILLE, Ind., Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic nonprofit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States, and Indiana American Water today recognized Girls Inc. of Shelbyville as a recipient of a $25,000 Foundation STEM Education Grant.
The grant will help Girls Inc. of Shelbyville create an Outdoor Learning Lab in Shelbyville, Indiana, featuring a pollinator sensory garden and hands-on learning spaces that will engage youth in STEM, sustainability and environmental stewardship through year-round outdoor programming.
“Girls Inc. of Shelbyville is proud to provide experiences that help girls explore new ideas, build confidence and see themselves as future leaders,” said Amy Dillon, President and CEO, Girls Inc. of Shelbyville. “The support from the American Water Charitable Foundation will help us bring a major phase in STEM learning to life in an outdoor setting where students can connect with nature, ask questions and discover how science and sustainability are part of their everyday lives.”
The STEM Education Grant is part of the American Water Charitable Foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, which focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. The program provides STEM-focused curricular and extracurricular programs for young students.
“Girls Inc. of Shelbyville is creating a unique space where students can learn by doing, and that kind of experience can make a lasting impact,” said Travis Edington, Director of Central and Southern Operations, Indiana American Water. “At Indiana American Water, we know that strong communities are built through strong partnerships, and we are proud to support programs that help young people explore STEM, environmental stewardship and the natural world around them.”
“Supporting organizations that inspire learning and create opportunities for young people is central to the American Water Charitable Foundation’s mission,” said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. “This grant will help empower students with hands-on STEM experiences that foster curiosity, innovation and a lifelong appreciation for the world around them.”
The grant supports communities served by Indiana American Water and reflects the company’s continued commitment to meaningful community partnerships and educational opportunities.
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 Indiana American Water
Indiana American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.5 million people.
For more information, visit amwater.com/inaw and join Indiana American Water on Facebook.
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SOURCE American Water
