With $2.4 million awarded in 2016, Duke Energy’s investment in North Carolina Community Colleges has hit the $30 million mark. This investment came to life through grants to Wayne Community College and 48 other community colleges that have equipped students with industry-specific training.
The grant initiative has developed programs such as robotics, welding and mechatronics, as well as other high-skilled areas that are in demand in North Carolina.
In 2004, Duke Energy created its Community College Grant Program to partner with local industry by strengthening programs that address regional skills gaps, expand economic opportunities and improve workforce development.
“Duke Energy’s investment in our community colleges continues to have a tremendous impact on their ability to respond to talent demands from businesses, both locally and statewide,” said George Fouts, interim president of the NC Community College System. “The Duke program has supported equipment and programmatic needs and has resulted in more North Carolinians receiving the high-quality training necessary to successfully enter the workforce.”
“Our state’s community colleges are key to creating a skilled workforce and thriving business climate in North Carolina,” said David Fountain, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president. “Economic development is critical to our state’s future and, at Duke Energy, we’re committed to developing a workforce that attracts new employers, while expanding the capabilities of existing businesses.”
A committee of representatives from Duke Energy, NC Community College System and NC Department of Commerce reviewed applications for more than 100 individual grants to community colleges in Duke Energy’s North Carolina service territory.
Wayne Community College has been the recipient of $750,000 in grants from the foundation for state-of-the-practice equipment for the Mechatronics Engineering Technology and Industrial Systems Technology, Computer-Integrated Machining, and Welding programs. The equipment will provide students the opportunity to train at a reduced machine-to-student ratio and earn industry-recognized credentials sought by employers.
Economic and workforce development is one of the Duke Energy Foundation’s investment priorities. Individual community colleges can continue to apply for Duke Energy Foundation grants within the Foundation’s annual Education grant cycle. For more information, visit www.duke-energy.com/foundation.
About Duke Energy Foundation
Duke Energy Foundation makes charitable investments on behalf of Duke Energy, the The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to address the needs vital to the health of its communities. Annually, the Foundation funds more than $25 million in charitable grants, with a focus on education, environment, economic and workforce development, and community impact. Duke Energy has long been committed to supporting the communities where its customers and employees live and work, and will continue to build on this legacy. For more information, visit www.dukeenergy.com/foundation.
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a S&P 100 Stock Index company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com.
The Duke Energy News Center serves as a multimedia resource for journalists and features news releases, helpful links, photos and videos. Hosted by Duke Energy, illumination is an online destination for stories about remarkable people, innovations, and community and environmental topics. It also offers glimpses into the past and insights into the future of energy.
About Wayne Community College
Wayne Community College is a public, learning-centered institution with an open-door admission policy located in Goldsboro, N.C. As it works to develop a highly skilled and competitive workforce, it serves 14,000 individuals annually as well as businesses, industry and community organizations with high quality, affordable, accessible learning opportunities, including more than 70 college credit programs.
Wayne Community College’s mission is to meet the educational, training, and cultural needs of the communities it serves. More information about the college can be found at www.waynecc.edu.