CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 13, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy is
continuing its commitment to students and teachers with a more than
$2.7 million investment in 52
innovative education programs and initiatives across North Carolina.
The 2016 grants, from the Duke Energy Foundation, will enhance
educational programs focused on science, technology, engineering
and math (STEM) and childhood reading proficiency – critical
building blocks for student success from kindergarten through their
professional careers.
"It is essential that next-generation employees have a strong
educational foundation that prepares them for the workforce," said
David Fountain, Duke Energy's
North Carolina president. "Our
investments in students and STEM initiatives strengthen the
pipeline of highly skilled workers that will lead us to an even
smarter future in North
Carolina."
Examples of this year's grant recipients include:
- Say Yes to Education Guilford, Guilford County, to support rigorous
education activity within the Guilford
County Schools' system and provide tutoring, mentoring,
health and social services, after school programming and other
services for families and students.
"Say Yes Guilford and Duke Energy share a common interest in
enhancing Guilford County's
educational opportunities to develop a workforce that is prepared
to lead our community into the future," said Say Yes Guilford
Executive Director Mary Vigue. "We
consider ourselves fortunate to be a recipient of this Duke Energy
Foundation education grant. We look forward to a continued
partnership with Duke Energy and other like-minded organizations
who consider education to be key in building tomorrow's
communities."
- Buncombe County Schools,
Buncombe County, to establish
STEM labs in several primary, elementary and intermediate
schools.
"STEM education is unique because of its fundamental premise of
integrating student collaboration and communication into
thoughtful, engaging learning environments," said BCS
Superintendent Dr. Tony Baldwin. "We
are incredibly grateful for Duke Energy's support, which helps
Buncombe County Schools expand our
ability to provide the latest STEM education to more students
earlier. This paves the way for students to more fully develop the
necessary creative thinking and problem-solving skills essential
for any career path they may choose."
- Masonboro.org, New Hanover
County, to provide hands-on environmental education to
fifth grade students in New Hanover
County.
"Masonboro.org is thrilled that Duke Energy is helping again
this year to support our environmental education initiatives," said
Masonboro.org President and Executive Director Richard Johnson. "Because of this grant, more
than 1,200 New Hanover County
students will get a chance to visit Masonboro Island Reserve and
learn how important its ecosystem is to everyone in North Carolina."
- NC FIRST Robotics, statewide, to engage underserved
students in robotics competitions by working with adult mentors and
coaches.
"By helping to inspire the next generation of engineers,
innovators and STEM leaders, Duke Energy is on the forefront of
corporate leaders working to secure our future," said Marie Hopper, executive director of FIRST North
Carolina. "We are grateful for Duke Energy's support in enabling us
to deliver life-changing experiences through robotics in
North Carolina."
- Boys and Girls Clubs of Wake
County, to support Project Learn, which reinforces
knowledge and skills learned at school through homework help and
learning activities.
"Boys & Girls Clubs is proud to partner with Duke Energy to
help ensure the academic success of our 5,000 Members in
Wake County. Duke Energy provides
critical funds to support afterschool tutoring, STEM education and
academic intervention to those who need it the most," said
Ralph E. Capps, president and CEO of
Boys & Girls Clubs of Wake County. "With Duke Energy's
support, Boys & Girls Clubs is able to help our Members advance
to the next grade level and graduate with a plan for the
future."
- International House, Charlotte, to fund early childhood
literacy programming for students from kindergarten through third
grade.
"The Rising Readers program fills a real need in Charlotte where there are more than 8,000
English-language learners in CMS elementary schools. Without
foundational literacy skills, students start at a disadvantage no
matter the subject and have a difficult time catching up to their
peers," said Nate Evans, executive
director of International House. "Duke Energy is a long-time
supporter of the Rising Readers program and has helped it grow from
36 students when it began in 2010 to more than 400 last year.
International House is proud to partner with Duke Energy on this
program."
Click here for a full list of 2016 Duke Energy Foundation North
Carolina education grant recipients.
About The Duke Energy Foundation
The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to
address the needs vital to the health of its communities. Annually,
the Foundation funds more than $25
million in charitable grants, with a focus on education,
environment, economic and workforce development, and community
impact. Duke Energy has long been committed to supporting the
communities where its customers and employees live and work, and
will continue to build on this legacy. For more information,
visit www.duke-energy.com/foundation.
Headquartered in Charlotte,
N.C., Duke Energy is a S&P 100 Stock Index company
traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More
information about the company is available at
duke-energy.com.
The Duke Energy News Center serves as a multimedia resource for
journalists and features news releases, helpful links, photos and
videos. Hosted by Duke Energy, illumination is an online
destination for stories about remarkable people, innovations, and
community and environmental topics. It also offers glimpses into
the past and insights into the future of energy.
Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and
Facebook.
Contact: Meredith Archie
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
Twitter: @DE_MeredithA
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SOURCE Duke Energy