LIMERICK PA – YWCA Tri-County Area is receiving a Constellation Energy Corp. grant, the company says, to benefit students who participate in hands-on education projects related to energy, and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The company reports its funds will support the Pottstown-based YWCA’s “Full STEAM Ahead Climate Club.” That program, geared to grades 5-8, looks to expand students’ science-related literacy and experiential learning. The YWCA intends to focus on “climate change, energy resources, sustainability, horticulture, climate justice, and local water conservation,” it adds.
Two other Pennsylvania grant winners also were announced. One was St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, for “equity and renewable energy education for middle- and high-school girls from diverse backgrounds.” The other was York College of Pennsylvania, for a project “to address the gender gap in STEM fields by engaging middle and high school girls in hands-on learning.”
The company’s three “E2 Energy to Educate” grant winners represent the only awards made by Constellation in Pennsylvania. Specific sums for each were not mentioned, but Constellation in late November said the total for three amounted to $90,000. The company also presented 17 other grants to organizations in seven additional states, for a distribution total of $500,000.
Constellation operates the Limerick Clean Energy Center nuclear generating facility at 3146 Sanatoga Rd.
The Climate Club’s Goals
The club features two 8-week, after-school sessions. Its activities, according to the YWCA, include:
- Growing produce on hydroponic towers;
- Field trips to energy-related locations;
- Energy audits of schools or homes;
- Career exploration in energy fields; and
- Collaboration with the Schuylkill River Greenways National and State Heritage Area.
“The program aims to increase students’ awareness and knowledge of sustainability practices, renewable energy, and climate equity, as well as enhance their design thinking and problem-solving skills,” Constellation says.
Kathleen Barrón, Constellation executive vice president, and chief strategy and growth officer, said the company “as a leader in clean energy, (has) a responsibility to invest in the next generation and stimulate interest in the type of career opportunities and community impact that are possible in our industry.”
“By supporting innovative, hands-on energy projects across our footprint, we’re empowering students to dive headfirst into STEM learning through experiences that will inspire them for years to come,” Barrón observes.
The YWCA also won a Constellation “E2 Energy to Educate” grant during 2022, the Pottstown Mercury newspaper reported at the time.
Top photo from Getty Images on Unsplash+, used by Travels With The Post under license
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