Duke Energy awards $245,923 to Vance-Granville Community College
Duke Energy and Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC) today announced a $245,923 investment from the Duke Energy Foundation.
The funds will be used to equip a new Advanced Manufacturing Skills Center at the college. The center will use state-of-the-art, industrial-grade equipment to train area residents for jobs in manufacturing and related industries.
Duke Energy funds will be used to purchase electrical motor control trainers, programmable logic control trainers, hydraulic and pneumatic trainers, photovoltaic trainers and related equipment.
Students in the electrical systems technology , electronics engineering technology and welding programs, as well as those taking continuing education courses, will receive instruction using the new technology.
“We appreciate Duke Energy Foundation’s support, which will help VGCC train students for careers in existing industries and help attract new employers to our region,” said Dr. Stelfanie Williams, president of VGCC. “During a record-breaking year in which Vance-Granville has been awarded eight competitive grants, we are pleased with how this investment complements other grants our college has received to support manufacturing training.”
“Our partnership with Vance-Granville provides state-of-the-art workforce training that will help attract and retain businesses 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 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 territory. This new $6.7 million investment also 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 NC Community Foundation (Duke Energy Progress customers). Applications will be reviewed by a committee of representatives from Duke Energy, NC Community College System and NC Department of Commerce.
About Vance-Granville Community College
Vance-Granville Community College, one of the 58 institutions of the North Carolina Community College System, is the local source for higher education and training in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties, north of the Research Triangle. Established in 1969, VGCC today serves students at four campuses (one in each county of the service area) and online. The college offers more than 40 curriculum programs, as well as occupational certifications, continuing education, adult education, customized training for employers and the first two years of a four-year degree. For more information, visit vgcc.springerstudios.net .
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/ .
Above: From left: VGCC President Dr. Stelfanie Williams and Endowment Director Eddie Ferguson formally accept the grant from Duke Energy District Manager Tanya Evans. (VGCC photo)
