APS Invested More Than $10 Million in Arizona Nonprofits in 2015
PHOENIX–(BUSINESS WIRE)–For more than 125 years, APS has understood that – as one of the only
large corporations headquartered in the state – the company has a
responsibility to not only provide reliable energy service to its 1.2
million customers, but to strengthen and empower the communities it
serves. This belief is embedded in the culture of the company, and
starts at the top.
APS announced today that its 2015 community investment in Arizona
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.
About APS Foundation
Privately endowed by Pinnacle West Capital Corp. in 1981 as an
independent 501(c)(3) organization, the APS Foundation distributes an
average of $1.5 to $2.5 million per year through a bi-annual grant
process. Since its inception, the Foundation has invested nearly $35
million in Arizona nonprofits. For more information, please visit aps.com/corporategiving
and click on the Foundation link.
About APS
APS,
Arizona’s largest and longest-serving electricity utility, serves nearly
1.2 million customers in 11 of the state’s 15 counties. With
headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle
West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).
Contacts
APS
Media Contact:
Alan Bunnell, 602-250-3376
Website: aps.com/newsroom