Duke Energy awards $181,100 to Brunswick Community College

SUPPLY, N.C. – Duke Energy and Brunswick Community College today announced an $181,100 investment from the Duke Energy Foundation. The funds will be used to furnish a lab for a basic machining program to train and prepare individuals for jobs in the metalwork industry.

The grant will also be used to purchase equipment needed to teach the technical skills used in the metalwork industry.  The primary goals are: to meet the industry demands for machining/industrial needs; prepare students through the development of a maintenance program to qualify for existing and new jobs; and create a job-ready workforce to attract new industry to the region.

“As I visit local businesses, my role is to identify their training needs and to be able to immediately respond to their needs in preparing a qualified and trained workforce. With the metalwork industry being a key industry cluster for Southeastern North Carolina, a quality training program requires state-of-the-art equipment,” said Velva Jenkins, Brunswick Community College’s Vice President of Continuing Education, Workforce Development.  “The assistance from Duke Energy is advantageous to make all of this happen!”

“Our partnership with Brunswick Community College develops a highly-skilled workforce that will attract and retain businesses in the region for years to come,” said Paul Newton, Duke Energy’s state president – North Carolina.

This grant is part of Duke Energy’s $6.7 million investment in North Carolina’s Community Colleges’ focus on technical education and support of business and industry.  Since 2004, Duke Energy has awarded $15 million in grants to 24 community colleges within the Duke Energy Carolinas service area. This investment 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 N.C. Community Foundation (Duke Energy Progress customers). Applications will be reviewed by a committee of representatives from Duke Energy, N.C. Community College System and N.C. Department of Commerce.

About Brunswick Community College

Brunswick Community College (BCC) provides opportunities for individuals to be successful through accessible, high-quality programs and services that meet the educational, cultural and workforce development needs of the community. The wide variety of programs offered at BCC give students the opportunity to explore different career options and have the ability to enter the career path of their choice.  To learn more, visit online at www.brunswickcc.edu.

About Duke Energy Foundation

Duke Energy Foundation makes charitable investments on behalf of Duke Energy, the largest electric power holding company in the United States with 7.2 million customers in six states. Over the foundation’s long history in local communities, it has identified focus areas that maximize the foundation’s dollars and guide the foundation’s giving. The foundation makes grants supporting the environment, economic development, education and community vitality. In North Carolina, Duke Energy Foundation invests $16 million annually for community support and charitable contributions. To learn more about Duke Energy Foundation, visit www.duke-energy.com/community/.