DCCC receives grant over $195,000 to connect students with apprenticeship opportunities

June 7, 2018 – Davidson County Community College announced a $196,264 investment from Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas. The funds will be used to connect students with hands-on training and career development opportunities.

“It is very exciting to be awarded this grant at this time,” Carolyn Davis, Program Director of Corporate Training and Workforce Development, said. “Business and Industry in Davidson and Davie Counties are coming together to form Apprenticeship Consortia, and this allows the College additional funding resources to support that initiative.”

The investment, from the Duke Energy Foundation, will be used to expand the apprenticeship programs and opportunities for students in partnership with Kurz Transfer Products, Ingersoll Rand and Avgol.  

“By purchasing specialized equipment for training and offering scholarships to cover educational expenses for apprentices, this funding will provide opportunities for more than forty people in our communities to gain the necessary skills that fit industry needs in positions with competitive salaries,” Davis said.

This grant is part of Duke Energy’s $35 million investment in North Carolina’s Community Colleges’ focus on technical education and support of the local marketplace.  Individual community colleges were invited to apply for funds through the North Carolina Community Foundation and the Foundation for the Carolinas. Applications were reviewed by a committee of representatives from Duke Energy, North Carolina Community College System and North Carolina Department of Commerce.

About Davidson County Community College

Founded in 1963, Davidson County Community College is a fully accredited, multi-campus college where students of all ages and backgrounds pursue academic and career-focused education in order to build successful futures. As one of 58 institutions within the North Carolina Community College System, DCCC offers more than 40 degree and professional certificate programs to students in Davidson and Davie counties, as well as affordable college-credit coursework to students who plan to transfer to 4-year universities. With a mission to serve the changing needs of students competing in a global environment, DCCC is committed to quality education, innovative and equitable learning experiences, training, and support across a wide range of 21st-century career fields. Visit Davidson County Community College at DavidsonCCC.edu.

About Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to address the needs of the communities where its customers live and work. The foundation provides more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts. The foundation’s education focus spans kindergarten to career, particularly science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), early childhood literacy and workforce development. It also supports the environment and community impact initiatives, including arts and culture.

Duke Energy employees and retirees actively contribute to their communities as volunteers and leaders at a wide variety of nonprofit organizations. Duke Energy is committed to building on its legacy of community service. For more information, visit http://www.duke-energy.com/foundation.