Duke Energy Invests $6.7 million in NC Community College Grants

RALEIGH, N.C., Aug. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy and the North Carolina Community College System today announced the expansion of the Duke Energy Community College Grant Program through a $6.7 million investment from Duke Energy Foundation.

The funds are available to community colleges throughout the state to further NC Community Colleges' focus on technical education and support of business and industry. 

"Partnerships are critical in meeting the workforce needs of North Carolina's business community, and we are grateful for our ongoing collaboration with Duke Energy," said Dr. Scott Ralls, president of the NC Community College System. "This grant program has a proven record of success. Expanding its reach to more of our colleges gives us the opportunity to train and educate additional work-ready employees for North Carolina's in-demand jobs."

"Our state's community colleges are key to creating a skilled workforce and thriving business climate in North Carolina," said Paul Newton, Duke Energy state president – North Carolina. "We're committed to developing a workforce that attracts new industries to our state and expands the capabilities of the industries already here."

Since 2004, Duke Energy has awarded $15 million in grants to 24 community colleges within the Duke Energy Carolinas service area. This new $6.7 million investment also includes community colleges located in the Duke Energy Progress service area.

Individual community colleges can apply for funds through the Foundation for the Carolinas (Duke Energy Carolinas customers) or NC Community Foundation (Duke Energy Progress customers). Applications will be reviewed by a committee of representatives from Duke Energy, NC Community College System and NC Department of Commerce.

About NC Community College System

With 58 colleges located across our state and nearly 840,000 students, the North Carolina Community College System is one of the largest institutions of higher education in the United States and is internationally recognized for its programs supporting economic and workforce development. Learn more at www.nccommunitycolleges.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. The foundation makes grants supporting the environment, economic development, education and community vitality. In North Carolina, Duke Energy Foundation invests $16 million annually for community support and charitable contributions. In 2013, the foundation will make an additional one-time commitment of $20 million to support low-income energy assistance and workforce development in North Carolina.  To learn more about Duke Energy Foundation, visit www.duke-energy.com/community/.   

Contact: Megen Hoenk, NC Community College System
Office: 919.807.6962
Email: hoenkm@nccommunitycolleges.edu

Contact: Amy Strecker, Duke Energy
Office: 919.546.2660 | 24-Hour: 800.559.3853
Email: amy.strecker@duke-energy.com

SOURCE North Carolina Community College System