AMARILLO, Texas (Aug. 25, 2021) – The Xcel Energy Foundation has awarded $370,000 to 50 nonprofit organizations and educational institutions that are focused on community-building initiatives in Xcel Energy’s Texas-New Mexico service area.
“Xcel Energy and our predecessor companies have grown up with the communities we serve across the area, and we know from years of experience that educational attainment and job growth are foundational to the health and sustainability of our towns and cities,” said David Hudson, president, Xcel Energy – New Mexico, Texas. “Through the Xcel Energy Foundation, we are able to target programs and organizations that are doing the greatest good in providing area residents opportunities to learn and grow, which benefits everyone.”
Xcel Energy Foundation’s Education grants boost systems and programs that focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or STEM. Groups receiving funding have developed programs for hands-on learning opportunities demonstrating the linkages between math and science, real-world applications, and future careers. Education grant recipients focus on increasing the number of students entering and completing post-secondary education in STEM disciplines and pursuing STEM careers.
Economic sustainability funding supports programs that promote workforce development, workforce readiness, specific job skills training, job placement and job creation. Additionally, the Xcel Energy Foundation is funding programs that provide case management and support services to low-income populations, assisting them in attaining and retaining employment that leads to economic self-sufficiency.
“The grants are investments in the communities where we live and work” Hudson said. “Our nonprofits are partners with the business community in continually improving the quality of life in our region, and they’ve done an especially remarkable job during the pandemic when so much has been asked of them.”
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About Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy (NYSE: XEL) provides the energy that powers millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company is an industry leader in responsibly reducing carbon emissions and producing and delivering clean energy solutions from a variety of renewable sources at competitive prices. For more information, visit xcelenergy.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
About Xcel Energy Foundation
The Xcel Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that awards charitable grants to nonprofit organizations and sponsors the volunteer programs of Xcel Energy and its subsidiaries. The majority of Xcel Energy Foundation funding comes from Xcel Energy shareholder dollars. This year, the Foundation granted $3.6 million to nearly 400 nonprofit organizations for programs that aligned with its four focus areas of education, economic sustainability, environmental stewardship and access to arts and culture. For more information, visit https://my.xcelenergy.com/s/community/focus-area-grants.
