California American Water Proudly Recognizes American Water Charitable Foundation 2024 STEM Education Grantee, Community Soil Foundation

SANTA ROSA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Water Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., recently announced that Community Soil Foundation was awarded a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Education grant, supporting communities served by California American Water in the company’s Sonoma County service area.

“California American Water is committed to supporting STEM education initiatives that create a pipeline of future leaders in the communities we serve,” said Kevin Tilden, President of California American Water. “This grant empowers Community Soil Foundation to continue their vital work of providing hands-on science education and fresh, nutritious food to underserved communities in Sonoma County.”

The STEM Education grant is part of the American Water Charitable Foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, focusing on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. This opportunity provides STEM-focused curricular and extracurricular programs for underserved students.

“The American Water Charitable Foundation’s generous grant is a significant boost for our organization,” said Paolo Tantarelli, Community Farm Co-Founder and Advisor. “It will enable us to expand our educational programming, reaching four hundred students per week, and inspiring a passion for science and the environment. We are deeply appreciative of American Water Charitable Foundation and California American Water’s support.”

Community Soil Foundation, which is fiscally supported by Extended Child Care Coalition, cultivates the wellness of Sonoma County communities by offering land-based education, creating access to organic produce, and regenerating habitat. Their flagship program, the Larkfield Community Garden, provides fresh, nutrient-dense food to the community and hosts Mark West Elementary students for garden-based education programs. Students learn about decomposition, pollination, germination, and other core science concepts aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.

“The American Water Charitable Foundation is delighted to partner with eligible nonprofit organizations across California, like Community Soil Foundation that serves Sonoma County,” said Carrie Williams, President of the American Water Charitable Foundation. “We are proud to support initiatives that provide access to high-quality learning students need to be successful.”

Learn more about California American Water’s community impact, here.

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 California American Water
California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, provides high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 700,000 people. For more information, visit www.californiaamwater.com and follow California 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.