CMP parent co. to fund 'Energy Zone' museum expansion

AUGUSTA, MAINE - The Avangrid Foundation announced today it is giving a boost to the Maine State Museum's plan to build an Education Center at its facility in Augusta. The Foundation has pledged donations totaling $100,000 to the Museum's fundraising campaign.

The Avangrid Foundation is the philanthropic organization of AVANGRID, the parent company of Central Maine Power.

The planned Education Center will include an Avangrid Foundation "Energy Zone" with the addition of "Science Spots" throughout the museum. Among the goals of the new facility is to encourage intellectual growth for youngsters and other visitors through the application of STEM-based learning (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

"Promoting education for students of all ages - particularly STEM-based knowledge -- is one focus for our charitable giving and community involvement," said Robert Kump, president of the Avangrid Foundation. "We are confident that the Museum's new Education Center will inspire young visitors to broaden their horizons and advance their knowledge of these important topics."

During a tour of the museum on April 28, Avangrid Foundation Director Nicole Licata Grant noted its value to the community.

"The Maine State Museum is a local treasure for our customers, the community in Maine, and all who visit," said Licata Grant. "We are proud to invest in the Energy Zone and Education Center, which will engage visitors in new and important ways."

The Avangrid Foundation's support of the Maine State Museum is one of many education-based funding initiatives by the Avangrid Foundation. The Foundation also funds scholarship programs for students pursuing master's studies in energy and/or the environment in universities across the U.S. and in Spain and the United Kingdom.