Duke Energy Foundation has announced a $600,000 investment in North Carolina’s community colleges to support workforce development. Of this amount, $500,000 will be allocated to 19 community college programs aimed at creating a skilled workforce for the energy industry. An additional $100,000 will go towards the Forward Fund to assist students in Southeastern North Carolina in accessing high-wage employment opportunities.
The initiative is part of Duke Energy’s ongoing commitment to workforce development, which has totaled over $6.6 million in the past five years. Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president, emphasized the importance of local talent in supporting modern energy infrastructure and meeting the state’s growing needs. “As technologies change and we modernize our energy fleet,” Bowman stated, “we want talent here in the state to help us support our communities and build a smarter energy future for customers.”
Durham Technical Community College is among the beneficiaries, receiving a $25,000 grant for its Electric Line Technician Training program. J.B. Buxton, President of Durham Technical Community College, expressed gratitude for Duke Energy’s support: “Duke Energy’s continued commitment to Durham Tech ensures we are connecting skilled individuals to good jobs like electric line technicians.”
For the first time, Duke Energy Foundation is investing in the Forward Fund (TFF), which provides zero-interest loans covering essential life expenses such as transportation and child care for students enrolled in short-term training programs linked to regional employer demand. Meaghan Dennis, founder and CEO of TFF, said: “The Forward Fund is thrilled to receive this grant from Duke Energy Foundation… We’re excited to be part of the workforce solution for high-wage energy careers in the state.”
Duke Energy Foundation annually provides more than $30 million in philanthropic support funded by Duke Energy shareholders. Duke Energy itself serves millions across several states with both electric and natural gas utilities while pursuing an ambitious transition towards cleaner energy sources.
