For Immediate Release

Date: Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Pennsylvania American Water Presents $25,000 Grant to Thaddeus Stevens College

(Lancaster, PA) — Leadership from Pennsylvania American Water, the state’s largest water and wastewater utility, this week formally presented a check for $25,000 to Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology on behalf of the American Water Charitable Foundation. The funding is part of the foundation’s Workforce Readiness and STEM Education Grant Program and provides scholarships and equipment in the College’s Water and Environmental Technology associate degree program.

Within the next five years, more than 35 percent of the state’s employee base at Pennsylvania American Water will be eligible to retire. Water and wastewater treatment is an essential part of every community’s infrastructure. This partnership is one example of how Thaddeus Stevens College partners with many industries to help train the next generation of workers, in alignment with its mission to open access to education.

“We create pathways for students of every background to pursue meaningful careers that not only make a difference, but provide a sustainable career,” said Pedro A. Rivera II, Ed.D., president of Thaddeus Stevens College. “Our workforce community needs talented graduates, just as we need industry partners to help shape and strengthen our programs. Together, we create opportunities that serve both our students and communities to cultivate a prosperous future.”

The college offers 24 academic majors, all focused on leading directly to high-demand jobs, such as in the water and wastewater industry. Each program includes intensive lab work where students learn applied sciences that directly translate to workforce needs. One hundred percent of graduates from the Water and Environmental Technology class of 2023 (most recent data available) had employment upon graduation, with a median first-year salary of $57,500.

“Thaddeus Stevens is a long-time, valued partner,” said Joe Woodward, senior director of operations for Pennsylvania American Water. “The Water and Environmental Technology program helps students gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for successful completion of Pennsylvania Department of

Environmental Protection examinations and has produced dozens of graduates, several of whom have
been hired by our company. We are proud to present this workforce development grant on behalf of the American Water Charitable Foundation.”

Students in the classroom will directly benefit from equipment purchased, enabling them to receive industry-relevant, hands-on training to prepare them for jobs in the water, wastewater, and environmental industries. The program can host up to 25 students each year, and scholarships will be available from this grant funding to enroll in this program.

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An acclaimed residential two-year college in the heart of Central Pennsylvania, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is an accredited technical college dedicated to preparing students for high-demand careers with family-sustaining wages. Founded in 1905 with 15 students, Thaddeus Stevens College has grown to more than 1,400 students and 24 high-skill technical and trade degree programs. Through its mission, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology breaks down barriers that perpetuate educational inequities and creates access to a college degree. Committed to the legacy of its benefactor, Thaddeus Stevens, the college serves as an instrument of change in the lives of its students, graduates and employees who, in turn, impact change on businesses, industries and communities across Pennsylvania and beyond. stevenscollege.edu

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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 Pennsylvania American Water
Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.3 million people

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