Nicor Gas awards $100,000 in grants to support diversity initiatives
Naperville, Ill. – Sept. 30, 2024 – Nicor Gas is announcing $100,000 in grants to support diversity initiatives that address the lack of access or opportunities for those facing discrimination based on race, national origin, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, veteran status and physical disabilities.
“Nicor Gas is proud to recognize and celebrate the outstanding recipients of our diversity grant awards,” said Jackie Nagel, manager of Community Affairs at Nicor Gas. “The selected nonprofits are fostering inclusivity and driving positive change within our communities. We are honored to support these organizations as they continue to pave the way for a more diverse and equitable future."
This year, Nicor Gas is awarding 21 organizations with grants of up to $5,000 to support their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, including:
Chicago Metro:
- Ajilla Foundation - Supports programs that provide comprehensive leadership development opportunities to collegiate women of color from diverse backgrounds through a fellowship program.
- American Association of Blacks in Energy, Chicago Metro Chapter - Supports and fosters the engagement of underrepresented students who have an interest in pursuing careers in the energy industry.
- Best Buddies - Supports job training programs for individuals with disabilities.
- Indonesian Diaspora Network Midwest - Supports the annual Lunar New Year Celebration, recognizing the accomplishments of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.
- National Museum of Mexican Art - Supports the museum’s mission to showcase the beauty and richness of Mexican culture.
- YWCA Metropolitan Chicago - Supports career pathway programs for women and people of color to obtain credentials and access to high-demand positions.
Cook County:
- America Cares Too - Supports a workforce training program for veterans.
- Aspire Illinois - Supports an employment program for adults with disabilities including job placement assistance, on-the-job support and job coaching services.
- Chicago State University Foundation - Supports pre-collegiate students in the Chicago area through academic preparation for college-level STEM courses.
- The Harbour - Supports the Youth Advisory Board program for formerly homeless youth to serve in a leadership capacity, providing internet access, leadership training, transportation assistance, childcare as needed and involvement in homeless coalitions.
DuPage County:
- CREO DuPage - Supports tutoring and mentoring services for college-minded Latinx high school students.
- Diamond Youth Foundation - Supports minority student populations at five high schools with mentoring services and exposure to post-secondary education in the western suburbs of Chicago.
- DuPage Foundation – Supports a sponsorship of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast, which raises money to support the needs of underserved populations in DuPage County.
- NAACP Collection Action Funds - Supports a summer camp for 4th-10th graders from under-resourced backgrounds.
- Naperville Neighbors United - Supports a sponsorship of multicultural events, including its annual Juneteenth celebration.
- Naperville Youth Club - Supports summer camps and after school programs.
- Prideful Path Project - Supports programs serving LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse individuals and families.
- Youth Outlook - Supports youth drop-in center programs, family support programs and community education and outreach programs to create a more inclusive world for LGBTQ+ youth across Northern and Central Illinois.
Kankakee County:
- NAACP Kankakee County - Supports programs that remove barriers of racial discrimination.
McHenry County:
- Veterans Path to Hope - Supports a program for military veterans experiencing mental health crises including individual counseling, support groups and assistance with obtaining benefits.
McLean County:
- Prairie Pride Coalition - Supports LGBTQ+ youth through social groups, a back-to-school picnic and community education.
To learn more about Nicor Gas’ commitment to diversity initiatives and giving back to the communities it serves, visit nicorgas.com/2023communityimpact, 2024 – Nicor Gas, in partnership with Quad County Urban League, IBEW Local 19, NPL, Miller Pipeline and Pipe Strong, is proud to announce the graduation of the Nicor Gas Career Academy 10th cohort. More than 200 students have graduated from the free workforce development program since its inception, including the 26 who comprised the program’s 10th cohort.
"We are incredibly proud of our graduates, who have demonstrated remarkable dedication and commitment throughout the program," said Rich Asiyanbi, vice president of Operations at Nicor Gas. "The Nicor Gas Career Academy is a testament to our commitment to fostering talent and providing opportunities for individuals to build rewarding careers in the utility industry. We look forward to seeing our graduates prosper and contribute to the future of energy.”
Nicor Gas Career Academy graduates celebrated the program’s conclusion with family and friends during an event Friday, Sept. 13, that included remarks from Illinois State Rep. Harry Benton, program partners and students.
“They’re creating not only good blue-collar jobs, but they’re creating very good professional white-collar jobs as well. These are the trade partners that we have to have here in Illinois. We’re expanding generational wealth and new opportunity for all communities surrounding this area and throughout the entire state of Illinois,” said Harry Benton.
The graduation ceremony marks the culmination of an intensive six-week program that combines classroom education and hands-on training for careers in the energy sector, with a focus on natural gas. The training is provided at no cost and goes beyond utility basics, integrating safety, technology and employability skills, as well as personal and professional development.
“I love the program itself, what they stand for and what they do to give opportunities for those in need of professional development or those who may be overlooked,” said Career Academy graduate, Randall Moffett.
The Nicor Gas Career Academy was established in 2018, to provide hands-on training to prospective employees to meet the growing need for a qualified, skilled and diverse pool of candidates within Nicor Gas and its construction partners. The program received a 2021 Impact Award from the Center for Energy Workforce Development for its partnership with Quad County Urban League that has yielded demonstrated results in fueling the talent pipeline.
To learn more about Nicor Gas’ commitment to workforce development and the Nicor Gas Career Academy, visit https://www.nicorgas.com/company/workforce-development/nicor-gas-career-academy.
About Nicor Gas
Nicor Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Nicor Gas serves more than 2.3 million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. For more information, visit nicorgas.com.
About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America’s premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.4 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and more than 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines, asset management for natural gas wholesale customers and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities.
Media Contact:
Nicole Frett
nfrett@southernco.com