MARIETTA, OH — Dominion Energy recently awarded the Washington State College of Ohio (WSCO) Foundation a $10,000 Community Impact Award. The recognition was for the advancement of the college’s Education and Advancement to Registered Nurses (EARN) pathway.
EARN is a unique initiative fueled by the increased demand, both locally and nationally, for more registered nurses. It is designed to help students progress through the practical nursing program and then onto its associate degree nursing program all while working in the healthcare field.
“The EARN pathway allows us to guide and support adult learners who, due to family and financial obligations, need to maintain employment while they’re earning their degree,” explained WSCO Dean of Health and Sciences Dr. Heather Kincaid. EARN students experience classroom and laboratory work two to three days a week and may be employed at healthcare facilities for the remainder of the week. “This initiative benefits our local economy and healthcare system through workforce training that puts our graduates in lucrative, in-demand careers,” added Kincaid.
The funds awarded will support the continued growth of the EARN initiative. In total, Dominion Energy awarded $110,000 in grants to 11 Ohio community organizations at its 26th annual Community Impact Award competition, co-sponsored with Cleveland Magazine.
A panel of community judges chose the winners from among 50 entries, submitted by organizations throughout the region. The awards recognize non-profit organizations that make Ohio communities better places to live, learn, work and play. The Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, the company’s philanthropic arm, funds the Community Impact Award grants. The Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation is dedicated to the economic, physical and social health of the communities the company serves.
“We celebrate our honorees for their impact, community commitment and ability to rise to the occasion,” Eck said. “We’ve experienced some hardships and true awakenings in 2020 and 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic and new efforts to address social justice have created unchartered territories for all of us. Our honorees’ commitment to provide safe, efficient, and thoughtful resources to the community during these times is a true testament to the work they do and their ability to quickly shift, mobilize and step up in times of need.”
Other Community Impact Award winners included: PCs for People; Habitat for Humanity of Summit County, Akron; Magnet, Cleveland; Marimor Legacy Foundation, Lima; Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation; Karamu House, Cleveland; Bounce Innovation Hub; Burten Bell Carr Development Inc., Cleveland; University Circle, Inc., and Economic Action Group, Youngtown.
Since 1996, Dominion Energy and its predecessors have distributed more than $1.9 million in Community Impact Awards to Ohio organizations.
