Press Releases
Gary, Ind. – September 3, 2025 – The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic nonprofit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States, recently announced that the Dunes Learning Center (DLC) was awarded a $15,000 State Strategic Impact Grant to support the organization’s educational and environmental programs.
“We are extremely grateful to the American Water Charitable Foundation for their support through this $15,000 grant to our organization,” said Heather Hahn Sullivan, Executive Director, Dunes Learning Center. “This grant will support programs that connect young people with the natural world and help them build life skills they can use throughout their careers: collaboration, problem-solving, considering different points of view and making data-informed decisions.”
DLC, based in Chesterton, Indiana, and Indiana Dunes National Park, is an educational not-for-profit organization focused on providing educational and environmental programs to young people in Northwest Indiana, Chicago and the broader region. These programs help young people better understand the natural world and the Indiana Dunes, while building skills that can serve them well at school, at home and while pursuing future career opportunities. DLC is particularly proud of its robust scholarship program that allows young people facing financial hardship to access critical educational opportunities outside of traditional schooling.
“The American Water Charitable Foundation is proud to support worthy causes, like the Dunes Learning Center, making an impact through their education and environmental programs,” said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. “By investing in these initiatives, we hope to inspire future generations to care for our environment and lead their communities with knowledge and passion.”
State Strategic Impact Grants are part of the Foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, focused on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. These grants support high-impact projects and initiatives throughout American Water’s national footprint.
“Indiana American Water is pleased to partner with the American Water Charitable Foundation to support the life-changing work of Dunes Learning Center,” said Justin Mount, Manager of Northwest Indiana Operations, Indiana American Water. “Young people are the future of the communities we serve, and DLC is doing outstanding work to prepare them, equipping students with essential skills for success while fostering a deeper appreciation of the natural world we depend on.”
Learn more about Indiana American Water’s community impact 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 6,700 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, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested more than $20 million in funding through grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water. The Foundation is funded by American Water shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf.
About Indiana American Water
Indiana American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.5 million people. For more information, visit amwater.com/inaw and join Indiana American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
About Dunes Learning Center
DLC has been inspiring curiosity for nature with year-round programs for school groups and summer campers, since 1998. Our strong scholarship program breaks down financial barriers, gets more kids outdoors, connects science with the real world, and empowers kids to discover how they can make a difference. While delivering memorable outdoor learning adventures overnight and under the stars, we create pathways to environmental careers. Visit duneslearningcenter.org