Media Contact: Scott Reigstad (608) 458-3145
Funding to support 2009 REACH Summer Career Awareness Internship Program
MADISON, WI – April 3, 2009 – The Urban League of Greater Madison will help middle school youth from schools in Madison and Sun Prairie explore career options through its 2009 REACH Summer Career Awareness Internship Program thanks in part to a $15,000 grant from the Alliant Energy Foundation. The initiative, part of the Urban League’s 21st Century Careers Program, helps students find their interests and learn more about careers during a summer internship.
“The Urban League of Greater Madison continues to take a leadership role in efforts to develop innovative academic support, college readiness, and career development programs for at-risk middle school students,” said Marthea Fox, Alliant Energy Foundation Executive Director. “The Alliant Energy Foundation is pleased to partner with them on their summer internship program to provide career knowledge to Madison and Sun Prairie students.”
By serving primarily African American students, other students of color, and economically disadvantaged students, the Urban League’s initiative aims to close the achievement gap and connect education and career aspirations for eighth grade students. Throughout the program, the students will get a first-hand look at the world of work, and, most importantly, an understanding of the connection between school success and career aspirations.
“Linking careers, future earnings and dreams to education is important to launching at-risk middle school students on a path to college,” said Scott Gray, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Urban League of Greater Madison. “Our summer internship program helps students start down this path by giving them the opportunity to go to a workplace, have responsibility to complete work assignments and interact with other employees.”
The Alliant Energy Foundation has been a major contributor to the education and career awareness programs of the Urban League since 1999. Alliant Energy Chief Information Technology Officer David Cagigal currently serves on the League’s Board of Directors.
The Alliant Energy Foundation is a philanthropic organization created by Alliant Energy Corp. and is operated as a separate entity led by its own board of directors. The Foundation is committed to making a positive difference in the communities where Alliant Energy employees, retirees and customers live and work. The Foundation, which is funded solely by the Alliant Energy shareowners, seeks to further the corporation’s goal of being a good corporate citizen and contributing member of society.
###