Grant supports real-world budgeting and workforce-readiness education through JA Finance Park

DAVENPORT, Iowa, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic nonprofit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), and Iowa American Water recently announced a $10,000 Workforce Readiness grant to Junior Achievement of the Heartland. The grant will support JA Finance Park, where students practice real-world budgeting and strengthen financial-literacy and workforce-readiness skills.

"We are excited to continue our partnership with Iowa American Water and grateful to the American Water Charitable Foundation for its $10,000 investment in Junior Achievement of the Heartland and the future of our students. This support helps bring financial literacy to life while strengthening the workforce readiness skills young people need to make informed decisions, pursue career opportunities, and build a strong financial future," said Lysa Hegland, president and CEO of Junior Achievement of the Heartland.

The $10,000 grant will support JA Finance Park, an experiential learning program that helps students build financial literacy and workforce-readiness skills by making real-world budgeting decisions. Through the program, students learn to manage income and essential household expenses, including water, sewer and trash services, while connecting financial choices to education and career opportunities.

"At Iowa American Water, we believe preparing young people for the future begins with practical learning experiences that connect classroom lessons to everyday life," said Brad Nielsen, president of Iowa American Water. "The Foundation's support of JA Finance Park will help students understand how essential household services such as water fit into a budget, while building the financial literacy, decision-making and career-readiness skills they need to thrive."

The Workforce Readiness grant is part of the American Water Charitable Foundation's Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, focusing on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. This grant program focuses on general career readiness, financial and business literacy, positive youth development and life skills training.

"The American Water Charitable Foundation is proud to support initiatives that provide access to high-quality learning students need to be successful," said Carrie Williams, president of the American Water Charitable Foundation. "We take pride in supporting American Water's continued efforts to be a responsible neighbor and reliable partner in the community."

Junior Achievement of the Heartland serves a 24 county region in both Iowa and Illinois and sees more than 2500 students each year between 13-15 years of age in their finance park.

Learn more about Iowa American Water's community impact at iowaamwater.com.

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 American Water Charitable Foundation
The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water, focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested over $25 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 Iowa American Water
Iowa American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state with approximately 90 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 225,000 people.  

Media Contact
Jackie Kleppe
External Affairs Manager
Iowa American Water
563-232-3727
Jackie.kleppe@amwater.com

American Water Charitable Foundation Media Contact
awcfmedia@amwater.com

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SOURCE American Water