$75K in Grants Will Help New Jersey Students and Adults Build Workforce Skills

A preschooler in Plainfield could soon learn how rainwater moves through a garden. A student interested in science could step into a laboratory and work alongside STEM professionals. And an adult in Elizabeth looking for work could gain the digital skills needed to take the next step toward employment.

Those opportunities are among the programs receiving a combined $75,000 from the American Water Charitable Foundation, a nonprofit foundation that supports communities served by American Water, as four New Jersey nonprofits expand workforce readiness and STEM education efforts across the state.

The grantees include Junior Achievement of NJ, Students 2 Science, The King’s Daughters Day School, and St. Joseph Social Service Center.

The funding comes through the foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, which focuses on water, people, and communities.

Damarah Brown, senior external affairs specialist for NJ American Water, said the grants respond to gaps the company sees through its work with community organizations across the state.

“Across NJ, many students and job seekers still lack access to the educational experiences, career exposure and training opportunities needed to prepare for today’s careers,’ Brown said.

She said early exposure to STEM, career readiness and workforce development can help create stronger pathways to employment and economic mobility.

“We want students to gain the confidence, skills and exposure needed to pursue educational and career pathways they may not have previously considered, while helping adults access workforce development opportunities that can lead to long-term economic stability and success,” Brown said.

Junior Achievement of NJ and Students 2 Science received the largest awards, with $25,000 going to each organization.

Junior Achievement will use its funding to expand career readiness and financial literacy programming designed to help students build workplace skills and explore future careers.

Students 2 Science will use its $25,000 grant for STEM learning experiences that connect students with professionals in the field.

“Hands-on, real-world STEM education is integral to solving many global challenges,” said Dan Barnett, chief development officer of Students 2 Science.

Barnett said the partnership will also help students strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving skills while exploring possible STEM careers.

For some of the youngest students receiving support, the classroom will extend outdoors.

The King’s Daughters Day School in Plainfield received $15,000 to create a preschool rain garden designed to reduce stormwater runoff and introduce children and their families to conservation and water quality.

The funding comes as the school celebrates 120 years of serving the Plainfield community.

“The grant will allow us to create a preschool rain garden that transforms our outdoor space into a hands-on learning environment where children can explore nature, develop an appreciation for environmental stewardship, and engage in meaningful STEM experiences,” said Jameelah Newton-Jenkins, education and grants manager at King’s Daughters Day School.

In Elizabeth, the funding will reach adults preparing to enter or advance in the workforce.

St. Joseph Social Service Center received $10,000 for workforce development programs serving adult learners.

“The Foundation’s support strengthens our commitment to helping adult learners gain the digital and workforce skills needed to pursue meaningful employment, economic stability and long-term success,” said Bernadette Murphy, executive director of St. Joseph Social Service Center.

The American Water Charitable Foundation has awarded more than $25 million through grants and matching gifts since 2012. The foundation is funded by American Water shareholders and says its charitable giving does not affect customer rates.