Press Releases
Larkfield, Calif. (11/3/2026) - The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic nonprofit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), and California American Water announced today that the Foundation has awarded a $10,000 State Strategic Impact Grant to Conservation Works to support its Rural Conservation Workforce Development Initiative. The program provides young people with hands-on education, mentoring and field experience to prepare them for careers in engineering, hydrology, forestry, soil science, watershed management and other environmental STEM fields.
"We are incredibly grateful to the American Water Charitable Foundation for this generous investment in the next generation of environmental professionals," said Oona Heacock, Executive Director of Conservation Works. "This support will provide young people with valuable hands-on learning opportunities that will help participants develop new skills, pursue meaningful careers in environmental and natural resource fields, and contribute to the long-term health and resilience of their communities."
The grant will help Conservation Works expand the reach of the initiative by supporting participant training and mentoring, travel to project and training sites, professional conferences, educational equipment and outreach to local high schools, community colleges and Tribal communities. These resources will provide participants with greater access to real-world conservation experiences and opportunities to build professional connections.
"Investing in programs like this help strengthen the communities we serve while supporting the future of California's natural resources," said Sarah Leeper, President of California American Water. "We're proud of the Foundation’s support to Conservation Works, as it creates opportunities for young people and helps build the skilled workforce needed to protect and manage our water and environment for generations to come."
Conservation Works' efforts extend across Northern California, including communities near California American Water's service areas in Sonoma County. The grant will help broaden access to opportunities for young people throughout the region.
The State Strategic Impact grant is part of the 2026 Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, focusing on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. State Strategic Impact grants support high-impact projects and initiatives throughout American Water’s national footprint.
"Supporting organizations like Conservation Works is an investment in the future of the communities American Water serves," said Carrie Williams, President of American Water Charitable Foundation. "By helping create opportunities for young people to explore environmental careers, we're also helping cultivate the local knowledge and expertise needed to protect California's natural resources now and into the future."
Learn more about the American Water Charitable Foundation’s Grant programs 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 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 19 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 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 California American Water
California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, provides safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 750,000 people.
Media Contact
Jason Alviar
Manager, External Affairs
California American Water
Phone: (916) 291-1195
Email: Jason.Alviar@amwater.com
American Water Charitable Foundatiod Media Contact
Awcfmedia@amwater.com