ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.,
May 24, 2018 /PRNewswire/
-- Emphasizing the importance of workforce development and
science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Duke Energy
recently awarded more than $1.56
million in grants to 46 Florida-based programs.
The grants are administered through the Duke Energy Foundation,
which provides philanthropic support to communities served by Duke
Energy, with a focus on "K to Career" educational and workforce
development initiatives, the environment and community impact.
The educational grants will help fund STEM projects, and the
workforce development initiatives are designed to further bolster
and expand the state's existing skilled workforce.
"I'm proud to say our 'K to Career' grant cycle is the largest
investment we make in the state each year," said Harry Sideris, Duke Energy Florida president.
"It demonstrates our commitment to the future of our communities by
preparing students to become leaders and enabling and
empowering a skilled workforce to meet the needs in high-demand
fields."
Duke Energy workforce development grants have helped train
workers across the country, including a program for energy workers
at Lake-Sumter State College in Leesburg,
Fla:
https://illumination.duke-energy.com/articles/how-to-prepare-the-workforce-of-the-future.
Duke Energy's grants to K-12 local education foundations are
also eligible for dollar-for-dollar matching funds through the
state of Florida's School District
Education Foundation Matching Grant Program, doubling the impact of
the investment.
"The deep commitment of Duke Energy to Florida's future is evident in their
investments in our students – from kindergarten through college,"
said Mary Chance, president of the
Consortium of Florida Education Foundations. "From rural
communities to urban school districts, Duke Energy is making STEM
education relevant to students of all ages through hands-on
activities and experiential learning, helping them make the vital
connections they need to see themselves in STEM careers."
Recipients of the largest donations include:
- Pinellas County Education Foundation: PCS STEM Academies
($212,000)
- University of Central Florida
Foundation: 2018 College of Engineering and Computer Science
Programs ($125,000)
- Lake-Sumter State College Foundation Inc.: Advancement of
Energy Technology ($110,000)
- University of South Florida
Foundation Inc.: USFSP/USF College Marine and Biology ($110,000)
- Foundation for Seminole State
College: Duke Energy Environmental Sustainability Lab
($80,000)
- Valencia College Foundation Inc.: Duke Energy Scholarships
($75,000)
- Orlando Science Center Inc.: Improving STEM Education through
STEM Field Trips ($75,000)
- Foundation for Orange County
Public Schools Inc.: Duke Energy STEM and Energy Education Teacher
Grant Programs ($60,000)
- Consortium of Florida Education Foundations Inc.: Raising the
Bar for Florida's Local Education
Foundations ($50,000)
- Polk Education Foundation and Business Partnership Inc.: Full
STEM Ahead! ($50,000)
- Pasco Education Foundation Inc.: Woodland and Schrader
Elementary STEM Lab and Teacher Training ($50,000)
- Florida Education Foundation: Next Generation Summer Science
Symposium ($45,850)
- Citrus County Education Foundation Inc.: Preparing for the
Future in Citrus County
($42,500)
- Foundation for Seminole County
Public Schools: Grants for Great Ideas ($40,000)
- Challenger Learning Center: The Ultimate Classroom at the
Challenger Learning Center ($30,500)
- Futures Inc.: ENVIRO STEM
($30,000)
- St. Petersburg College Foundation
Inc.: First Generation Scholarship Initiative ($30,000)
- Educational Foundation of Lake County Inc.: Duke Energy
Classroom STEM Projects ($28,000)
- Florida Polytechnic University Foundation Inc.: Duke Energy
Foundation Scholarship ($25,000)
- Polk State College Foundation Inc.: Bachelors of Education –
STEM Active Learning Center ($25,000)
- The Foundation for Osceola Education Inc.: The Pipeline Program
($25,000)
The Foundation annually funds more than $33 million to communities throughout Duke
Energy's seven-state service area. In 2017, the company donated
more than $5 million to nonprofit
organizations in Florida.
Additionally, Duke Energy's volunteer support solidifies its
commitment to the communities it serves. Florida employees have also rolled up their
sleeves to help their neighbors. Last year, employees volunteered
more than 15,000 hours in their communities.
For additional information on Duke Energy's community giving
programs, visit duke-energy.com/foundation.
About Duke Energy Foundation
The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to
address the needs of communities where its customers live and work.
The Foundation contributes more than $33
million annually in charitable gifts.
The Foundation's education focus spans kindergarten to career –
particularly science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) – as
well as early childhood literacy and workforce development. The
Foundation also supports environmental projects and community
impact initiatives, including arts and culture.
Duke Energy employees and retirees actively contribute to their
communities as volunteers and leaders with a wide variety of
nonprofit organizations. Duke Energy is committed to building on
its legacy of community service. For more information,
visit duke-energy.com/foundation.
The Duke Energy Foundation is part of Duke Energy (NYSE:
DUK).
Headquartered in Charlotte,
N.C., Duke Energy is one of the largest energy holding
companies in the U.S., with approximately 29,000 employees and a
generating capacity of 49,500 megawatts. The company is
transforming its customers' experience, modernizing its energy
grid, generating cleaner energy and expanding its natural gas
infrastructure to create a smarter energy future for the people and
communities it serves.
A Fortune 125 company, Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2018
"World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' 2018 "America's
Best Employers" list.
More information about the company is available at
duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center includes news
releases, fact sheets, photos, videos and other materials. Duke
Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations,
community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on
Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
Contact: Peveeta Persaud
Office: 727.820.5592 | 24-Hour: 800.559.3853
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SOURCE Duke Energy