Duke Energy awards $1 million in grants to address pandemic learning loss in North Carolina

Rhea-AI Summary

Duke Energy has allocated over $1 million in grants to 51 organizations in North Carolina to help mitigate pandemic-related learning losses among students. This initiative aims to support vulnerable communities through summer learning, tutoring, and supplemental educational opportunities. Notable recipients include Durham Public Schools, which received $25,000 for outdoor learning programs. This grant is part of Duke Energy's broader commitment, which saw the foundation contribute more than $30 million annually, funded by shareholder dollars.

Positive

• Allocated over $1 million to 51 organizations for educational support.
• Durham Public Schools received $25,000 for innovative educational opportunities.
• Duke Energy Foundation contributes more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts.

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• None.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy has awarded more than $1 million to organizations across North Carolina that are helping students rebound from the effects of pandemic learning loss.

"After a difficult year for North Carolina's students and families, we're investing in programs that address the disproportionate learning loss among vulnerable communities and help put students on a path to academic success," said Stephen De May, North Carolina president, Duke Energy.

Fifty-one organizations received grants from the Duke Energy Foundation to fund summer learning, tutoring and other supplemental learning opportunities in underserved and minority communities to combat learning gaps created by the pandemic.

Among this year's recipients is Durham Public Schools (DPS), which received $25,000 to provide students with experiential outdoor learning opportunities this summer at The Hub Farm, a 30-acre farm, forest and outdoor learning center in Durham, N.C.

"This grant is going to allow DPS to continue to help students reach their limitless potential through innovative education opportunities," said Dr. Pascal Mubenga, superintendent of DPS. "I'm excited about the way the grant will bring so many partners together to provide these breakthrough outdoor learning experiences for students who have fallen behind due to the COVID-19 pandemic."

Click here for a list of grant recipients with awards greater than $10,000 or more.

These grants are part of Duke Energy's ongoing commitment to support critical needs in the communities it serves. In 2020, Duke Energy donated $20 million in North Carolina, with more than 450 grants focused on social justice and racial equity, COVID-19 relief, K-12 education, workforce and nature.

Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation contributes more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts, and is funded by Duke Energy shareholder dollars. More information about the Foundation can be found at duke-energy.com/foundation. 

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of the largest energy holding companies in the U.S. It employs 30,000 people and has an electric generating capacity of 51,000 megawatts through its regulated utilities, and 3,000 megawatts through its nonregulated Duke Energy Renewables unit.

Duke Energy is transforming its customers' experience, modernizing the energy grid, generating cleaner energy and expanding natural gas infrastructure to create a smarter energy future for the people and communities it serves. The Electric Utilities and Infrastructure unit's regulated utilities serve approximately 7.7 million retail electric customers in six states – North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. The Gas Utilities and Infrastructure unit distributes natural gas to more than 1.6 million customers in five states – North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The Duke Energy Renewables unit operates wind and solar generation facilities across the U.S., as well as energy storage and microgrid projects.

Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2020 "World's Most Admired Companies" list, and Forbes' 2019 "America's Best Employers" list. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos, videos and other materials. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Media contact: Meredith Archie
800.559.3853

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SOURCE Duke Energy

FAQ

What is the purpose of Duke Energy's $1 million grants?

Duke Energy's $1 million grants aim to address pandemic-related learning losses among students in North Carolina.

When did Duke Energy announce the grant allocation?

Duke Energy announced the grant allocation on April 26, 2021.

Which organizations received funding from Duke Energy?

Fifty-one organizations received grants, including Durham Public Schools, which received $25,000.

How much does the Duke Energy Foundation contribute annually?

The Duke Energy Foundation contributes over $30 million annually in charitable gifts.

What impact does Duke Energy's grant have on Durham Public Schools?

The grant allows Durham Public Schools to provide outdoor learning opportunities for students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.