AWWA Women for Water Circle of Giving

AWWA’s Water Equation established the Women for Water Circle of Giving in 2020 to raise money to fund STEM youth programming across North America. Each Circle of Giving donor contributed $1,000 and had the ability to nominate and vote on youth programs to fund. In its inaugural year, the Women for Water Circle of Giving awarded $10,750 to support six influential youth programs. Each of these youth programs is STEM focused and ultimately seeks to foster a deep appreciation for science and the environment. The funds received by programs this year will be used to create educational videos, provide technological access

for economically challenged families, renovate an elementary STEM laboratory, provide supplies for senior student capstone projects, encourage water conservation, and award scholarships to environmentally conscious schools and students.

For more information about the Women for Water Circle of Giving, please contact Michelle Hektor at mhektor@awwa.org or visit our website at we.awwa.org/womenforwater

The Blue Thumb Junior Detective Program is managed by the Orange County Utilities Water Division Water Conservation program and provides water conservation presentations and activities to K-12 students in Florida’s Orange County. The curriculum includes the elements of the water cycle, how water is used, where drinking water comes from, water conservation, and water efficiency. One of the program’s goals is to generate water savings through interactive classroom and homework activities. The program received $4,000 that will be used to purchase portable power banks and headphones, which have become a necessity for students to stay engaged while at home. This funding will ultimately assist economically challenged families, incentivize student participation, and foster an appreciation for water conservation and the environment.