Illinois American Water Proudly Recognizes Partnership with Chicago Urban League

American Water Charitable Foundation provides a combined total of $260,000 to support workforce development initiatives for the National Urban League and Affiliate Movement

WOODRIDGE, Ill.--(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., and Illinois American Water, announced today that the Chicago Urban League (CUL) has received a $20,000 commitment as part of a larger Foundation Corporate Strategic grant. Funding will enhance workforce development initiatives that help close the equality gap for African Americans and other historically underserved groups throughout the Chicago Metropolitan area footprint.

“The ability to get a good job making good wages is critical to helping people provide for their families and contribute to strengthening our communities,” said Karen Freeman-Wilson, President & CEO of the Chicago Urban League. “Our Workforce Development Center empowers more than 3,700 individuals a year through a comprehensive range of services that prepare them for in-demand jobs in high-growth industries. We are grateful to the American Water Charitable Foundation for supporting this work.”

The CUL Workforce Development Center is committed to empowering individuals through comprehensive workforce services tailored to high-demand industries, including Information Technology, Clean Energy, Supply Chain Logistics, Construction/Building Trades (Community Trades & Apprenticeship Program - CTAP), and Healthcare. CUL’s programs emphasize career pathway coaching, equipping participants with the tools and guidance needed to navigate these thriving fields.

CUL offers specialized training and credentialing opportunities in various sub-fields across these industries, ensuring participants gain the technical skills and certifications required to excel. Upon completing the program, participants benefit from dedicated employment assistance, connecting them with job opportunities that align with their training and career goals.

“Illinois American Water is proud to collaborate with the American Water Charitable Foundation to support the Chicago Urban League,” said Rebecca Losli, president of Illinois American Water. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to building a stronger future for our communities and Illinois.”

The Corporate Strategic grant is part of the American Water Charitable Foundation 2024 Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, focusing on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. Corporate Strategic grants support high-impact programs that align with American Water’s values of being a solutions provider, where we seek to influence positive change and help keep communities flowing, improving and thriving.

“The American Water Charitable Foundation is delighted to support impactful workforce development initiatives and programming that help prepare future leaders of tomorrow,” said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation.

Since 2012, the American Water Charitable Foundation has donated to worthy causes and organizations in communities served by American Water. Being a good neighbor and steward of the environment has always been central to the mission of American Water and Illinois American Water.

Learn more about the American Water Charitable Foundation’s grant program 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 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.

About Illinois American Water

Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.4 million people. American Water also operates a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.

About Chicago Urban League

The Chicago Urban League works to achieve equity for Black families and communities through social and economic empowerment. Established in 1916, the organization helps people find jobs and establish careers, become homeowners, enhance their educational experiences, strengthen their leadership skills, and grow their businesses. One of the oldest and largest affiliates of the National Urban League, we promote strong, sustainable communities through advocacy, innovation, and collaborative community, corporate and civic relationships.