Research shows that learning happens best when social, emotional and cognitive growth are connected. High-quality, evidence-based programs are also critical to positive academic outcomes, better attendance and improved graduation rates. That’s why Rocky Mountain Power puts funding and resources behind schools and organizations that work toward these goals and open the doors of opportunity for learners of all ages.
The Rocky Mountain Power Foundation, a nonprofit arm of Rocky Mountain Power, is donating more than $460,000 in new grant funding across the three states it serves to support organizations that provide education and STEM learning opportunities. From financial literacy classes and early educational intervention programs to last-minute childcare centers that can help parents attend a job interview or work an extra shift, the grants underwrite a wide variety of much needed and helpful resources in large and small communities.
“These organizations are doing the important work of supporting Wyoming families and communities,” said Sharon Fain, Rocky Mountain Power vice president, Wyoming. “It is an honor to contribute to their work and know Rocky Mountain Power’s investments are building resiliency and boosting the growth and vitality of the communities we serve.”
The latest round of education grants aligns closely with the priorities Rocky Mountain Power places on enhancing access and availability of STEM programs, especially to underserved populations, and learning supports for youth and adults both inside and outside of the classroom. These education and STEM grants are one of the four grant cycles offered by the foundation annually.
The following nine grants totaling $22,400 were given to local organizations supporting western Wyoming communities:
Central Wyoming College Foundation for the Rocky Mountain Power Foundation Scholarship to help support students pursuing degrees in STEM fields.
Children’s Discovery Center to help ensure the continuance of the summer program at the only non-profit preschool in Sublette County, providing valuable learning experiences for young children and support for working parents.
Disability:IN Uinta County for the NextGen mentoring program that assists youth with disabilities and at-risk youth, ages 10-21, to prepare for graduation and their futures through one-to-one and employment mentoring.
Northwest College Foundation for the Rocky Mountain Power Scholarship to help students studying engineering.
Shoshoni Senior Center for new audio-visual presentation equipment to enhance educational opportunities for seniors and public meetings in the community, and for emergency supplies and equipment to support seniors
Uinta BOCES #1 Foundation for instruction and support of participants in literacy instruction, High School Equivalency preparation and employment training to help them get on track to sustainable employment and a better future.
Western Wyoming College Foundation for scholarships to help Western Wyoming Community College students complete the Powerline Technology Program to prepare for careers in the electrical powerline field.
Wyoming PBS Foundation to help Wyoming PBS and Science Kids produce the first season of NatureWY, a new online series that delivers outdoor learning and brings the wild to young Wyoming students.
YWCA Sweetwater County for supplies and teaching tools to create a better learning environment where students can learn about science, technology, engineering, arts and math.
About the Rocky Mountain Power Foundation:
The Rocky Mountain Power Foundation is part of the PacifiCorp Foundation, one of the largest utility-endowed foundations in the United States. The foundation was created by PacifiCorp, an electric utility serving 2 million customers in six Western states as Rocky Mountain Power (Utah, Wyoming and Idaho) and Pacific Power (Oregon, Washington and California). The foundation’s mission, through charitable investments, is to support the growth and vitality of the communities served by Rocky Mountain Power and Pacific Power. Since it started in 1988, the PacifiCorp Foundation has awarded more than $60 million to nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit www.rockymountainpower.net/foundation.
