CASPER, Wyo. — Pacific Power’s charitable arm, the PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning, awarded a total of $12,500 to Wyoming arts organizations in December 2005. The majority of the funding will support arts education programs for students.

“Pacific Power is pleased to continue its support for the arts and education in Wyoming communities through the PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning,” said Leslie Blythe, Pacific Power regional community manager. “This funding will benefit nonprofit arts organizations, students and the general public.”

Wyoming arts grants awarded by the PacifiCorp Foundation in December include:

Wyoming Symphony Orchestra (Casper) – $5,000 for Energizing the Future education outreach program, which provides students with an opportunity to learn firsthand from Wyoming Symphony Orchestra musicians and guest artists, and to attend a live orchestral performance. The program also includes mentoring and free concert admission for Casper Youth Orchestra members.

Nicolaysen Art Museum (Casper) – $2,000 for 2005-06 Student Docent Program, a six-week course designed to equip fifth-grade students with the skills and confidence necessary to view, discuss and understand contemporary art.

Glenrock Paleontological Museum (Glenrock) – $2,500 to assist with the museum’s purchase of the historic Bronco Building. The east side of the building will be converted into a museum, education center, library and gift shop.

Pinedale Fine Arts Council (Pinedale) – $3,000 for classical string quartet residency program to introduce Pinedale and Big Piney elementary and middle school students to the history of Baroque music, chamber ensembles, classical string instruments, and other elements of classical music. The celebrated Frey Street classical string quartet will perform at school assemblies and provide in-class workshops for band students.

In addition to December arts grants, Pacific Power employees recently directed a total of $4,500 in PacifiCorp Foundation funding to Wyoming nonprofits through the company’s Spirit of Excellence employee recognition program. The Raising Readers childhood literacy program received $2,500; the Glenrock Senior Citizens Center received $1,000; and United Way of Campbell County received $1,000.

The PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning has served as the major channel of philanthropy for PacifiCorp, Pacific Power and Utah Power since 1988. The Foundation awards four regular cycles of grants annually in the areas of education, health and welfare, community and the arts.