Youth programs at WVU supported by $80K in grants from EQT Foundation

Campers enjoying STEM activities thanks to the generosity of EQT.

The EQT Foundation, the philanthropic arm of EQT Corporation, recently awarded two grants to West Virginia Universitythrough the WVU Foundation.

By Olivia Miller
Communications Specialist

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

The grants, totaling $80,000, will benefit two programs for West Virginia students.

• WVU Extension- $30,000 – The funding for WVU Extension will be used for 11 Energy Express sites in Doddridge, Harrison, Marion, Ritchie and Wetzel counties. These sites serve 432 students, and also provide AmeriCorps service opportunities for 64 college students. Energy Express is a two-month summer reading and nutrition program now underway for children living in West Virginia’s rural and low-income communities. It is designed to prevent the “summer slide,” when children are most at risk for falling behind on reading levels.

• The Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources- $50,000 – EQT is a co-sponsor of this summer’s Engineering Challenge Camp program put on by the Statler College. Camps are hosted throughout June, July and August and benefit students in elementary, middle and high school. Programs offered teach campers about the application of engineering in different fields including coding, the sports world, sustainability and community service.

“Through the EQT Foundation, one of our priorities is to identify and support innovative programs that encourage students to strengthen their core skills and provide them with unique educational opportunities,” said Charlene Petrelli, president of EQT Foundation. “A commitment to helping our communities grow and prosper is why EQT places great importance on supporting local educational initiatives.”

Over the past 22 years, EQT, through corporate, foundation, and employee matching contributions, has donated more than $489,000 to WVU for scholarships and academic program support impacting the lives of Mountaineers across the state.

The EQT Foundation was established by EQT Corporation, one of the region’s leading energy producers, and is committed to the social and economic vitality of our operating regions. The EQT Foundation believes in meaningful engagement with the communities it calls home, and takes great pride in the role as both a responsible and responsive corporate citizen.

The EQT Foundation has developed strong partnerships with a variety of nonprofit organizations to enrich the diversity and viability of our communities, sustain the principles of continuous learning, and focus on environmental protection efforts. More information can be found at www.eqt.com/our-communities/eqt-foundation.

The EQT Foundation gifts were made in conjunction with A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia’s University .The fundraising effort by the WVU Foundation on behalf of the University runs through December.

---