Nicor Gas Foundation makes $40,000 investment to support Elgin Boys and Girls Club's workforce development programming
The Nicor Gas Foundation announced a $40,000 investment to support expanded workforce development programming for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Elgin.
In 2022, the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin served 1,800 youth from the Aurora, Elgin, Hanover Park, Schaumburg, South Elgin and Streamwood communities with three clubhouses and more than 30 school-based programs.
"We are thrilled to partner with the Nicor Gas Foundation and appreciate their support of our workforce development programs," said Cathy Russell, CEO of Boys and Girls Club of Elgin. "We are thankful for their investment as we serve young people, especially those who need us the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens."
Boys and Girls Clubs are committed to providing out-of-school programs and services to all youth, removing barriers of cost and transportation in addition to meeting the basic needs of families, assisting with homework help, and career and workforce readiness.
Earlier this summer, a group of students and staff from the local club visited Nicor Gas' Technical Training Center in Naperville to learn more about the role that natural gas plays in their everyday lives and the skills they can gain for a future career in the utility industry.
"The Nicor Gas Foundation has been a longtime partner of Boys & Girls Clubs across our service territory, and we are proud to support their commitment to introducing youth to exciting career opportunities in STEM and the energy industry," said Jackie Nagel, manager of Community Affairs at Nicor Gas.
"We know that there is a need for more skilled workers at every level in the natural gas industry in the coming years and know that partnerships with organizations committed to developing the next generation are essential," Nagel said.
Students received hands-on experience and demonstrations on welding, meter reading, pipe fitting and more on their visit.
They also had the opportunity to see how natural gas is used in homes and businesses across Northern Illinois in the appliance lab and the company's Gas Town community that included residential stoves, waters heaters, commercial stoves, pizza and baking ovens.
Nicor Gas' Technical Training Center opened in 2017 and provides team members and local groups with the proper training, tools and resources to effectively and safely respond to any potential natural gas situation.
To learn more about the Nicor Gas Foundation's commitment to organizations and nonprofits that proudly serve our communities, visit www.NicorGas.com/Community.