Duke Energy and the North Carolina Community College System have 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.