$100,000 Awarded to NJ Non-Profits Through American Water's Workforce Readiness Program
CAMDEN -New Jersey American Water announced that four New Jersey organizations — Boys and Girls Clubs of Union County, Hopeworks, Junior Achievement of New Jersey and Salem County Inter-Agency Council of Human Services — were each awarded a $25,000 American Water Charitable Foundation 2024 Workforce Readiness grant, focusing on general career readiness, financial and business literacy, positive youth development and life skills training.
"Every day, we work to keep water flowing for our customers. With these grants, we're helping to keep opportunity flowing for New Jersey's youth by tackling the unique aspects of workforce development," said Mark McDonough, president of New Jersey American Water and a board member of the American Water Charitable Foundation. "As a company that relies on a skilled, diverse workforce to serve our communities, we're excited to see how these innovative initiatives will shape the next generation of local youth and young adults."
The selected projects include the following:
Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County: Career Launch Program
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County was awarded $25,000 to expand their Career Launch Program for teens ages 12-18. The program offers career exploration, educational guidance and workforce preparation through resume writing workshops, interviews, and mentoring opportunities with business owners, corporate professionals and college graduates. Funding will support transportation for site visits, staffing and career exploration software.
Hopeworks: Growing Opportunity Program
Based in Camden and Philadelphia, Hopeworks was awarded $25,000 toward funding support for young adults in Camden to enroll in its proven training program, expanding the number of people who can earn life-changing jobs. With a focus on skill development, real-world job experience, and trauma-informed care, Hopeworks propels young adults into long-term living wage careers that put them on the path for healing and financial stability. Over 99% of young adults, ages 17-26, entering Hopeworks are unemployed, making less than $400 annually, and after completing the Hopeworks training program, they earn over $43,000 annually, with a 12-month retention rate of over 90% in their jobs.
Junior Achievement of New Jersey (JANJ): Career Exploration and Readiness
JANJ was awarded $25,000 to support three Career Exploration programs in low- to moderate-income communities within New Jersey American Water's service area. These programs include JA Inspire, where middle school students participate in classroom activities and a career expo; JA Career Workshop, which allows high school students to visit New Jersey American Water's office; and JA YES, an interactive experience that helps middle schoolers explore financial and career decisions alongside business and community volunteers.
Salem County Inter-Agency Council of Human Services: Social Impact Internship
The Salem County Inter-Agency Council of Human Services received $25,000 for its Social Impact Internship program. This paid internship engages local youth, ages 15-24, from Salem, Penns Grove and Carney’s Point, focusing on environmental and health sciences, entrepreneurship and STEM-related industries. Interns gain hands-on experience in land stewardship and community nutrition planning while developing essential career skills. Interns are selected from the surrounding community, ensuring they have lived experience as they navigate building soft skills and career exploration.
The Workforce Readiness grant is part of the American Water Charitable Foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., and aims to support high-impact projects and initiatives that further American Water’s commitment to ESG, as well as inclusion, diversity and equity.
“The American Water Charitable Foundation is delighted to invest in initiatives that provide access to high-quality training and skills development for future leaders in the workplace,” said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. We take pride in supporting American Water's continued efforts to be a responsible neighbor and reliable partner in the communities it serves.”