Duke presentation

Pictured left to right: Catherine English, PCC Foundation Executive Director; Dr. Pamela G. Senegal, former PCC President; Beth Townsend, Duke Energy Director, East Region, Government and Community Relations.

Duke Energy Foundation has awarded Piedmont Community College (PCC) a $25,000 grant to support its workforce training programs. This investment will help PCC build the next generation of skilled energy workers and support the community's future growth.

"On behalf of the PCC Technical and Manufacturing Department, we extend our deepest gratitude for the generous grant awarded to us by Duke Energy,” Jody Blackwell, PCC Dean of Technical and Manufacturing Programs said. “Your support will significantly enable us to train students and upskill employees, directly impacting workforce needs in our manufacturing community. We are committed to utilizing these funds for the betterment of our students, keeping up with the latest technologies and demonstrating the positive impact your investment will have at our institution."

This grant is part of Duke Energy’s ongoing commitment to workforce development efforts in North Carolina, which now totals $6.6 million over the last five years.

“As our state and industry continue to grow, North Carolina’s community colleges are helping us meet the moment,” Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president said. “As technologies change and we modernize our energy fleet, we want talent here in the state to help us support our communities and build a smarter energy future for customers.”

“Duke Energy continues to be generous and supportive of PCC and all our efforts to prepare the next generation workforce,” Dr. Barbara Buchanan, PCC Vice President of Instruction/Chief Academic Officer said. “We appreciate our partnership and will gratefully use these dollars to enhance our instruction.”

As Duke Energy continues to deploy modern energy infrastructure and meet the needs of a growing state, Duke Energy Foundation is investing in programs that will build the next generation workforce and create access to training and job skills that fit community needs.

For more information on Duke Energy Foundation and its initiatives, visit www.duke-energy.com/Foundation.

About Piedmont Community College

Serving Person and Caswell counties, Piedmont Community College (PCC) is a public two-year institution operating under the direction of a local Board of Trustees and a dedicated leadership team. PCC transforms lives, strengthens community, and inspires individuals to excellence. We strive to be recognized nationally for achieving exceptional levels of success in student learning and completion, gainful employment, equity, and affordability. Visit www.piedmontcc.edu for more information.