Norfolk Southern awards grant to rail education nonprofit HERE

Norfolk Southern Railway has awarded a $1,500 Thriving Communities grant to the nonprofit Hands-on Education from Railroad Employers (HERE) Corp.

HERE will use the funding to further its mission of educating the public about the railroad industry through presentations to military veteran communities, high schools, tech schools and community events, HERE officials said in a press release.

Thriving Communities is a grant program that NS launched in 2023. The open-application grant program is designed to support organizations that promote safety, sustainability, workforce development and community resilience. HERE is a 501(c)3 educational nonprofit founded in October 2024 to inspire the next generation of railroaders through mentorship and education.

"We believe educating the public about the critical role freight rail plays in our economy and inspiring the next generation of railroaders is essential for the future of transportation. This grant from Norfolk Southern allows us to expand our reach and create meaningful connections with communities nationwide," said Stacey Mansfield, director internal communications and executive board member of HERE. "By sharing the benefits and opportunities within the rail industry, we’re not just telling our story, we’re building a sustainable workforce and reinforcing the relevance of rail in modern society."