UPDATE: Xcel Energy Awards $15,000 Grant to Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota

(KNSI) — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota say they have received a jolt in their pocketbook thanks to Xcel Energy.

The utility approved a grant of $15,000 to fund academic success and STEM programming. The grant was made through the education focus area for Xcel Energy’s corporate giving, part of the company’s effort to support nonprofit agencies providing services in towns and cities served by Xcel Energy, according to a press release from the Boys & Girls Clubs.

“This grant will enable staff to better support the academic needs of youth, using hands-on experiences and skills building through STEM-based projects,” said Deb Nebosis, Vice President of Development for the Boys & Girls Club. “Increasing access to science, technology, engineering and math through fun and engaging activities enables young people to think deeply, solve critical problems and become innovators themselves.”

According to the Afterschool Alliance, “science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills are essential for navigating the modern world and competing in the 21st century job market.”

This is the 21st year that Xcel Energy has supported education programs provided by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota. Xcel Energy has given more than $240,000 to the Boys & Girls Club since 1993.

“We are so thankful for Xcel Energy’s ongoing generosity to the Boys & Girls Club,” said Nebosis. “Over the years, their support has enabled thousands of children to achieve academic success and make plans beyond high school graduation.”

The donation comes just over a week after a $25,000 donation was announced from the Panda Cares Foundation for in-person academic success programming at the Clubs.

(1:30 p.m. 9/28): A corrected press release from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota amended the amount of the grant received from $10,000 to $15,000.

___