BEND, Ore. — The PacifiCorp Foundation’s Pacific Power Fund is donating $5,000 to help the Central Oregon Environmental Center broaden its internship program to reach middle school through high school classrooms.

The Central Oregon Environmental Center’s internship program, originally funded by the PacifiCorp Foundation in 2003, has teamed with 38 groups to create educational and skill-building internship positions. Besides gaining new experience and, in many cases a small stipend, interns can earn college credit through the Oregon State University Cascades Campus for their service.

Each season, these internships offer exceptional hands-on work experience with local environmental and community service organizations, which can instill an ethic of community support and involvement in young people. Students gain experience tackling environmental issues, participating in service to their community and networking to expand their job possibilities.

The PacifiCorp Foundation’s Pacific Power Fund recently awarded more than $72,600 to Oregon civic and community programs. These grants are one of four annual cycles of funding for programs in education, health and human services, arts and culture, and civic and community betterment.

About the PacifiCorp Foundation for Learning

The PacifiCorp Foundation was created and incorporated in 1988 and serves as the major channel of philanthropy for PacifiCorp, Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power. To apply for a grant and to review specific eligibility requirements, please go to  www.pacificorpfoundation.org .

Media inquiries: newsdesk@pacificorp.com