California American Water and The Village Project Hold Wastewater Treatment Class Graduation Ceremony

A graduation ceremony will be held this Saturday, October 8, 2011, 7 p.m., at the Seaside City Center for students of the Village Project’s wastewater treatment class. The six-month class was taught by California American Water employees who donated their time and expertise to provide training in water industry careers to at-risk youth and others seeking to make a positive change in their lives.

“This program enlightens students. We show them something different,” said California American Water Wastewater Operator, Greg Daniels, who led the Village Project classes. “The course covers information students need to take their state license exam as well as interview techniques and job hunting and conflict resolution skills. We offer training these students would probably never have had access to without this program.”

Five students are slated for graduation this Saturday, after having invested two hours an evening, two nights per week, in Daniels’ classroom. Several of the graduates plan to take their water operation license exam in March. Daniels plans to continue to meet with the students on a weekly basis until the exam, so that “the information stays fresh in their minds.” A new session of the Village Project water industry training class is scheduled to begin in January.

The Village Project, led by Executive Director Mel Mason, is a local nonprofit that works to provide culturally-appropriate services to the African American population and others in the community whose needs go historically unmet. California American Water, the area’s water provider, supplied textbooks for the class and will co-sponsor Saturday’s graduation ceremony and reception. This is the second such class the Village Project has graduated. In February 2011, ten students completed a six month water treatment program, also taught by California American Water volunteers.

California American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 600,000 people.

Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in more than 30 states, as well as parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.

In 2011, American Water is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a yearlong campaign to promote water efficiency and the importance of protecting water from source to tap. To learn more, visit www.amwater125.com.