MEDFORD, Ore. — Scholarship help came to the Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon in the form of a $2,000 grant from the PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning.  The PacifiCorp Foundation is Pacific Power’s charitable arm.

“This PacifiCorp Foundation grant will help us reach students and families in need of scholarships and to provide extraordinary public performances,” said Sharon Wilson, the symphony’s executive director.

Founded in 1988, the Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon provides an opportunity for dedicated young musicians from Jackson, Josephine and Klamath Counties to perform symphonic repertoire. According to Wilson, 185 students are playing in the symphony’s three ensembles this year. “Ideally, we’d like to offer these opportunities to every student and family in the region,” she said.

“When community budgets become tighter, arts programs often suffer,” said Monte Mendenhall, regional community manager for Pacific Power. “We believe the arts are an important, integral part of a healthy community and a well-rounded education; so we think it’s a smart investment.”

The PacifiCorp Foundation awarded close to $205,800 to arts and cultural nonprofit programs in its service area, and donated another $13,000 in small community grants.

Mendenhall said that, according to research, less than 21 percent of Oregon children engage in any art form due to diminished school budgets and class offerings. The Foundation’s arts and culture grants are one of four groups of awards each year. Other award categories include education, civic and community groups, and health and human services.

The Foundation’s mission is to foster strategic sustainable learning initiatives that serve the best aspirations of individuals, organizations and communities, and that enhance and develop their capabilities to address significant challenges and opportunities.

To apply for a grant, and to review specific eligibility requirements, please go to www.pacificorpfoundation.org

Media inquiries: newsdesk@pacificorp.com