APS announced, Monday, its 2015 community investment in Arizona, which totaled more than $10 million. This amount includes grants, sponsorships and in-kind donations from APS and the APS Foundation to nonprofit organizations and educators throughout the state.
In addition, APS employees donated more than 123,000 hours in volunteer time to Arizona nonprofits, an economic impact of $2.8 million.
“Our long history in the state has shown us that the success of APS is closely tied to the prosperity and health of the communities we serve,” said Don Brandt, chairman, president and CEO of APS. “We are committed to empowering nonprofits to do what they do best, and supporting education programs that will benefit our state’s future leaders for years to come. This commitment is ingrained in our culture, and radiates through all of our 6,400 employees.”
Among the nonprofits who received grants and contributions from APS and the APS Foundation in 2015:
- The Arizona Science Center received a grant for $415,500 to support education programs throughout the state. The Science Center’s Rural Communities Education Program targets educators from rural school districts, bringing professional development opportunities to STEM teachers across the state. Additional support also was designated for new exhibits.
- The Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation received a grant for $250,000 for the Ed and Verma Pastor Legacy Scholarship Program. This scholarship will benefit Latino students majoring in a STEM or a public policy field at any public university or college in Arizona.
- MIND Research Institute received a $200,000 grant to expand its ST Math program and to partner with ASU to implement a professional development exploratory study with English-language learner students. These programs will expand innovative teaching to low-income students throughout Arizona and will train teachers to use a visual approach that deepens students’ problem-solving and reasoning skills, helping them advance their mathematical knowledge.
- UMOM New Day Centers received a grant for $150,000 to meet the needs of homeless women and families in Maricopa County. The funds will enable UMOM to provide comprehensive services, including housing, healthcare, vocational training and job placement, substance abuse counseling and housing service for residents while they focus on their case plan to end their homelessness.
- The Phoenix Symphony Association received $225,000 from APS to deliver relevant and entertaining content to a broad range of constituencies and provide civic value through programs that benefit the needs of the community and foster a culture of creativity and innovation.
- The Navajo United Way received a grant for $100,000 for its Operation Yellow Water Challenge Match. The Navajo United Way is working to ensure that farmers and communities impacted by the closure of the San Juan River, due to toxic waste contamination in August 2015, receive the support they need to irrigate fields and continue their livelihood.
- The Phoenix Art Museum received an $85,000 grant to support exhibitions, education and The James K. Ballinger American Art and Education Fund.
In addition, in 2015 the APS Foundation supported programs that enhance academic achievement in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM):
- Arizona Science Teachers Association received a grant for $86,000 for its Teacher Leadership Program.
- ASU Foundation for a New American University received a grant for $80,000 for its STEMSS (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and Social Studies) Summer Institute for K-12 teachers).
- Lowell Observatory received a $56,500 grant for its Navajo-Hopi Astronomy Outreach Program.
- The Society of St. Vincent de Paul received a $50,000 grant for its Dream Center Digital Library, which will introduce young students to the practical uses of technology through instruction in STEM subjects.
- The Southern Arizona Research Science and Engineering Foundation (SARSEF) received a $50,000 grant to bring STEM education for students and teachers to 50 schools in low-income, rural areas.
- Teach for America Inc. received a grant of $50,000 for its Math/Science initiative, which recruits highly qualified individuals to teach math and science in low-income schools and provides preparation and support to enhance teacher effectiveness.