Duke Energy awards $237,757 grant to Vance-Granville Community College
Duke Energy and Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC) today announced a $237,757 investment from the Duke Energy Foundation to continue equipping the college’s Advanced Manufacturing Skills Center.
Students in VGCC’s manufacturing-related programs will benefit from access to state-of-the-art, industrial-grade training equipment.
The new grant is Duke Energy’s fourth to VGCC during the past year, following a similar $245,923 equipment grant as well as two donations to provide scholarships for students in technical programs .
Students in the Electrical Systems Technology , Electronics Engineering Technology , Mechatronics Engineering Technology , Sustainability Technologies and Welding programs, as well as those taking continuing education courses, will receive instruction using the technology purchased with the latest grant.
"The partnership between VGCC and the Duke Energy Foundation will prepare our students to succeed in high-demand technical career fields, while also supporting our region’s economic development," said Dr. Stelfanie Williams, president of VGCC. “We are excited about the future of advanced manufacturing training at Vance-Granville, and we sincerely appreciate Duke Energy’s strong support.”
“By further developing the local workforce, our continuing partnership with VGCC will help attract and retain businesses in the region for years to come,” said Tanya Evans, Duke Energy’s district manager.
This grant is part of Duke Energy’s $30 million investment in North Carolina community colleges’ focus on technical education and support of business and industry.
Individual community colleges can apply for funds through the NC Community Foundation. 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.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. Duke Energy Foundation invests $25 million annually for community support and charitable contributions. To learn more about Duke Energy Foundation and how to apply for grant funding, visit duke-energy.com/foundation .
Above: From left, VGCC Endowment Director Eddie Ferguson, Director of Customized Training Sara Lloyd, Applied Technologies department chair Wesley Williams and President Dr. Stelfanie Williams accept a symbolic check representing the new grant from Duke Energy District Manager Tanya Evans. (VGCC photo
