Trico’s POWER Grants will benefit students throughout our service territory from digital skills training to early education to after-school activities.

“Thanks to the Trico POWER Grants our Arivaca Early Learning Program has been impacted significantly by our capacity to build a high quality and safe outdoor educational environment,” said Jill Farrell, Board Treasurer at the Arivaca Action Center (AAC). “Beginning with an empty fenced area, we were able to build a bike path with a cool challenging hill, provide essential shade and a garden for children to tend to, and add quality equipment and materials that encourage curiosity, accelerate gross motor skills, opportunities for collaborative play, and a love of nature.”

AAC was one of six local nonprofit organizations to receive $35,000 in POWER Grants from Trico in December. AAC was awarded $8,000 for its early education program. AAC’s mission is to provide space in which to offer opportunities which enhance rural living. The center dedicates its efforts to five focuses: education, wellness, hospitality, sustainability and the arts.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson received $10,000 for its after-school program that provides youth with homework help and tutoring, while promoting academic success and encouraging positive study habits.

The Marana Food Bank & Community Resource Center (MFB-CRC), Sahuarita Food Bank & Community Resource Center (SFB-CRC), and Wheel Fun each received a $5,000 grant, while the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation (AFFCF) was awarded $2,000.

The MFB-CRC will offer digital skills training in computer basics, robotics, and scam prevention. The SFB-CRC will use the funds to expand their digital literacy program for low-income adults and children through the acquisition of computers, robotics kits and other equipment.

“At Sahuarita Food Bank & Community Resource Center, we know that education can lead to better lives,” said Carlos Valles, Executive Director. “This grant will provide many lower-income individuals with the digital skills necessary to expand their capacity. Thank you, Trico.”

Wheel Fun works with rural Arizona public schools to provide cycling opportunities for elementary and middle school students through mountain bike clubs that meet after school.

A Superintendent said, “rarely has there been a more impactful program in my 30 years of working in schools across Arizona.”

“I think we can all agree that kids today do not get enough exercise and spend too much time on their screens. So, let’s imagine an after-school program that costs schools nothing and helps solve both problems. Wait, we do not have to imagine anything – Wheel Fun programming for kids in Arizona already fits this bill perfectly!” a Bike Industry Executive said.

AFFCF’s Childhood Activities Program funds extracurricular activities and essentials for foster youth, bridging gaps in state benefits to ensure equal opportunities with their peers.

Twice a year, the Trico Electric Charitable Trust awards $35,000 in POWER Grants to local nonprofit organizations that provide critical services in southern Arizona. The Charitable Trust is funded through Operation Round Up (ORU) donations. You can help support the Trust’s mission by joining ORU. Learn more at www.trico.coop/operation-round-up.