Alcoa Rockdale Operations understands and appreciates its role as a member of the community. The company and its employees are committed to helping others through the support of civic organizations and education, not to mention wildlife and the environment. Ongoing community programs include the following:
- Sandow Mine is host of the annual Texas Mining and Reclamation Association teachers' workshop, "Resources and the Environment."
- Area scouts participate in camping, wildlife and environmental activities at the mine. These activities provide the scouts with opportunities to earn credit for merit awards.
- Sandow Mine tours are conducted weekly for area citizens, civic groups, schools and visitors to the area. For more information or to schedule a tour, call toll free at 1-877-725-6463.
Other community contributions
- Alcoa Foundation grants and location donations total more than $250,000 annually to more than 20 different organizations
- Employees donate more than 2000 hours of volunteer service a year
- Alcoa Sons and Daughters Scholarships
- Youth programs for Zachary Scott Theater, Austin Symphony, Austin Ballet
- Support for local 4-H, Agricultural Extension Service and local teachers
Building Strong Roots with Down Home Ranch
Rockdale Operations continues its long history of proactive community participation and service with a strengthened relationship with Down Home Ranch, a 206-acre farm and ranch established as a home and workplace for adults with disabilities such as Down syndrome.
The initiative between Alcoa and Down Home Ranch helps disabled adults while re-vegetating mined lands and contributing toward the company's fulfillment of the One Million Trees reforestation project.
In addition to providing 50,000 seedlings for Alcoa, Down Home Ranch sells seedlings to local markets, providing operating income and meaningful work for its residents.
