Duke Energy and Wayne Community College today announced a $250,000 investment from the Duke Energy Foundation to provide machinery and materials for the Wayne Advanced Manufacturing Initiative.
The funds will be used to purchase state-of-practice equipment on which students in the college’s new Mechatronics Engineering Technology and existing Industrial Systems Technology programs will learn. The equipment includes FANUC robotic trainers on
which students can learn how to complete any application within the manufacturing process.
“The Duke Energy Foundation’s generosity is helping to increase Wayne Community College’s capacity to meet current and future industry demands in advanced manufacturing fields,” said Dr. Kay H. Albertson, president of the college. “The robotic trainers we will purchase with these funds will help students become highly skilled manufacturing technicians. This new equipment and supplies will translate into lucrative jobs and economic growth in Wayne County and the region.”
“Wayne Community College is committed to equipping its students with the skills needed to compete in emerging sectors of today’s economy,” said Millie Chalk, Duke Energy district manager. “We’re excited to make this important investment in this region in order to serve the needs of the rapidly growing advanced manufacturing sector.”
This grant is part of Duke Energy’s $30 million investment in North Carolina Community Colleges’ focus on technical education and support of business and industry. Individual community colleges can apply for funds through the NC Community Foundation. Applications will be reviewed by a committee of representatives from Duke Energy, NC Community College System and NC Department of Commerce.
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, including72 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.
About Duke Energy Foundation
Duke Energy Foundation makes charitable investments on behalf of Duke Energy, the largest electric power holding company in the United States with 7.2 million customers in six states. Over the foundation’s long history in local communities, it has identified focus areas that maximize the foundation’s dollars and guide the foundation’s giving. In North Carolina, Duke Energy Foundation invests $16 million annually for community support and charitable contributions. To learn more about Duke Energy Foundation, visit www.duke-energy.com/community.