YAKIMA, Wash. — Scholarship help came to the Yakima Youth Symphony Orchestra after receiving a $5,000 grant from the PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning.  The PacifiCorp Foundation is Pacific Power’s charitable arm.

“We have many young musicians with no outlet for their talents,” said Linda Dick, vice president. “We attempt to keep the tuition cost low so more students can join, but some talented musicians in the community cannot afford the tuition and scholarships necessary.”

Only two of eight high schools in the area have orchestras. Yakima Youth Symphony Orchestra has 70 high school students who audition in September for placement and perform throughout the school year. The students pay an annual tuition, but this does not cover the cost of the expenses. Its funding is from tuition, grants and donations.

“When community budgets become tighter, arts programs often suffer,” said Clark Satre, 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.

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