Duke Energy Commits $600,000 to North Carolina Community Colleges for Energy Workforce Training
Starting next spring, Duke Energy Foundation will give out $600,000 to North Carolina’s community colleges to strengthen their energy training programs.
The money is split into two chunks: $500,000 spread across 19 schools, while $100,000 goes to the Forward Fund to help students in Southeastern North Carolina. This new funding adds to Duke’s $6.6 million investment in workforce development since 2020.
“As our state and industry continue to grow, North Carolina’s community colleges are helping us meet the moment,” said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president, to investors.duke-energy.com.
Durham Tech will get $25,000 to train electric line workers. The school’s president, J.B. Buxton, welcomed Duke’s ongoing support: “Duke Energy’s continued commitment to Durham Tech ensures we are connecting skilled individuals to good jobs like electric line technicians.”
Schools will use the money for teaching expenses, equipment, training materials, and outreach programs. They’re also hoping to bring more diverse students into line work training.
The Forward Fund offers interest-free loans to students in short-term programs. The money helps cover basic needs like transportation and childcare. Students only start repaying once they’re earning enough.
Each year, Duke Energy Foundation gives more than $30 million from shareholder money to support community needs. The utility company serves 8.4 million customers and wants to eliminate all carbon emissions by 2050.
Duke is planning big grid improvements, including more power storage and clean energy options. They’re also looking to expand natural gas use and nuclear power. Their goal is to stop all methane leaks from gas operations by 2030.
Previous funding has opened new career paths for utility workers. With North Carolina’s growing power needs, these training programs aim to fill important job openings.
