Back-to-School: Southwest Gas Partners with Schools, Colleges, and Nonprofits to Open Doors for the Next Generation
Category: California
August 25, 2026
Programs help students build skills, explore careers, and prepare for the future
VICTORVILLE, Calif. — Across Southwest Gas’ service territory in California, the company and the Southwest Gas Foundation are partnering with schools, colleges, and nonprofit organizations to support students through essential resources, hands-on learning, safety education, mentorship, scholarships, and career training.
“Our employees live and work in the communities we serve, so supporting local schools and programs
is personal to us,” said Justin Brown, President and CEO of Southwest Gas. “By working alongside trusted partners, we can help students feel better prepared, explore their interests, and see greater possibilities for their future.”
is personal to us,” said Justin Brown, President and CEO of Southwest Gas. “By working alongside trusted partners, we can help students feel better prepared, explore their interests, and see greater possibilities for their future.”
Programs and partnerships across Southwest Gas’ service territory in California include:
A Greater Hope Foundation Back-to-School Bash
For six years, the Southwest Gas Foundation has partnered with A Greater Hope Foundation
to support children in foster and kinship care. During this year’s Back-to-School Bash, 537 backpacks filled with school supplies were distributed to students in Pre-K through 12th grade, and more than 100 teachers received much-needed classroom supplies.
to support children in foster and kinship care. During this year’s Back-to-School Bash, 537 backpacks filled with school supplies were distributed to students in Pre-K through 12th grade, and more than 100 teachers received much-needed classroom supplies.
Apple Valley Schools Foundation (AVSF) Grants
Since 2022, the Southwest Gas Foundation has supported AVSF in enhancing educational opportunities and providing hands-on learning experiences for students across the Apple Valley Unified School District. Contributions from the Southwest Gas Foundation support school and classroom grants focused on science, technology, applied arts, engineering, career and technical education, mathematics, and communications.
Energy Safe Kids with the National Energy Foundation (NEF)
For nearly 30 years, Southwest Gas has partnered with the NEF to promote energy education and safety awareness in schools. Through the Energy Safe Kids program, elementary and middle school teachers receive curriculum that helps students recognize and respond to a suspected natural gas leak, identify natural gas appliances and pipeline markers, and understand the importance of calling 811 before digging. Last year, 130 schools throughout Southwest Gas’ service territory used the program.
Summer Internship Program
Southwest Gas offers a paid Summer Internship Program for currently enrolled college and university students across the U.S. The 10-week program offers hands-on experience and professional development opportunities across a variety of business functions. Applications are open from January through April, with the program starting in June. Last year, more than 2,900 students from across the country applied for the internship program.
Valley Community College (VVC) Scholarships
The Southwest Gas Foundation collaborates with VVC Foundation to provide scholarships and resources for local students to pursue college education. The Southwest Gas Foundation
also contributes to classroom grants for teachers to procure equipment and resources for
their classrooms.
also contributes to classroom grants for teachers to procure equipment and resources for
their classrooms.
Victor Valley Union High School District Foundation Fund
The Southwest Gas Foundation has supported Victor Valley Union High School District since 2022, helping to assist with student development, teacher mini-grants, staff recognition, field trips, and technology upgrades.
Together, these collaborative efforts help open doors for opportunity and reflect Southwest Gas’ long-standing commitment to enriching lives and strengthening communities.
For more information about Southwest Gas and its community partnerships, visit www.swgas.com/community.
About Southwest Gas
Southwest Gas Corporation is a dynamic energy company committed to exceeding the expectations of our over two million customers throughout Arizona, California, and Nevada by providing safe, reliable, and affordable service while pursuing innovative sustainable energy solutions to fuel growth in its communities. For more information about how Southwest Gas is supporting a sustainable energy future, please visit www.swgas.com.
About The Southwest Gas Foundation
The Southwest Gas Foundation has spent six decades partnering with 501(c)(3) organizations to open doors of opportunities, provide support in times of need, and create a legacy of impact that benefits generations to come. Funded by shareholders, the Foundation is committed to enriching lives and strengthening communities. For more information, please visit www.swgas.com/community.
Media Contact:
Grace Russell
