Duke Energy Foundation ignites the workforce with $740,000 in grants to Florida's educational institutions and universities

Rhea-AI Summary

The Duke Energy Foundation has announced $740,000 in grants to support 18 education-based organizations in Florida, focusing on energy and engineering initiatives. The grants will fund various programs including:

- Career exploration field trips and summer camps for K-12 students
- Resources for teachers to expand educational programming
- Energy and resiliency research opportunities at Florida universities

Notable recipients include the University of Florida, which received a $75,000 grant for three energy-focused education initiatives, and the FUTURES Foundation in Volusia County, which will use a $30,000 grant to increase student engagement in energy design studies. The grants aim to support Florida's growing workforce needs and spark interest in energy, engineering, and climate resiliency fields.

Positive

• Duke Energy Foundation's $740,000 investment in education and workforce development
• Support for 18 education-based organizations across Florida
• Funding for various energy and engineering initiatives benefiting diverse student populations
• University of Florida received $75,000 for three energy-focused education programs
• Creation of Sustainable and Resilient Energy Engineering Certificate (SREEC) at UF

Negative

• None.

• 18 Florida-based organizations receive significant investments to support new programming, sustainability and resiliency initiatives, direct scholarships for students at all educational levels to support Florida's growing workforce 

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Sept. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Duke Energy Foundation has announced $740,000 in grants to support 18 education-based organizations to continue Duke Energy Florida's investment in education and future workforce needs statewide.

This year's grant recipients are education foundations, community organizations, state colleges and universities. The resources will fund a variety of energy and engineering initiatives to benefit a diverse population of students. Grantees will be hosting career exploration field trips and summer camps for K-12 students, providing resources for teachers to expand educational programing and encouraging energy and resiliency research opportunities among Florida universities.

"Education can spark a lifelong interest in a given field," said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. "It's a privilege to support so many unique initiatives this year aimed at reaching individual students with new opportunities that can drive a career and love for energy, engineering and climate resiliency."

University of Florida (UF) received a $75,000 grant to support three energy-focused, education initiatives that will directly impact students in these fields. One of which, the "Energy Education, Mentoring and Scholarship Program," will enable participation in scholarship, educational and research opportunities for a diverse group of energy-focused students. Through this program, eight engineering students interested in the energy sector will receive $2,000 Duke Energy Scholar awards.

Additionally, the University will be creating a Sustainable and Resilient Energy Engineering Certificate (SREEC) to encourage student-led research using solar measurement and conversion infrastructure installed at the UF Energy Research Park.

"UF is committed to employing community-focused strategies to spur economic and workforce development across Florida," said Maria Gutierrez Martin, UF Foundation associate vice president. "Our shared work is helping high school and middle school students increase their understanding of the energy grid, prepping college students for careers in solar energy and supporting five Florida communities as they plan for an environmentally resilient future."

In Volusia County, FUTURES Foundation will use a $30,000 grant to increase student engagement in three different initiatives within Volusia County Schools. These programs are focused on energy design studies: solar/alternative, electrical and plant.

"FUTURES is grateful for the consistent support provided by Duke Energy. This grant will allow students to participate in STEM programs at Rose Bay," said Shimene Shepard, FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools executive director. "Although we are a coastal community, this is often the first opportunity these students have to be on the water."

A complete list of grant recipients can be found below, with additional details available here.

K-12 Education

• Citrus County Education Foundation
• Consortium of Florida Education Foundation
• Education Foundation of Lake County
• Foundation for Orange County Public Schools
• Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools
• FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools
• Highlands County Education Foundation
• Jefferson County Education Foundation
• Madison County Education Foundation
• Orlando Science Center
• Pinellas County Education Foundation
• Polk County Education Foundation

Higher Education

• Seminole State College of Florida
• Florida Agriculture & Mechanical University
• Florida Polytechnic University
• University of Central Florida
• University of Florida
• University of South Florida

For more information about the Duke Energy Foundation, please visit duke-energy.com/community/duke-energy-foundation/Florida. 

Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

Duke Energy Florida

Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,300 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.

Media contact: Audrey Stasko
Media line: 800.559.3853

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SOURCE Duke Energy

FAQ

How much did Duke Energy Foundation grant to Florida's educational institutions in 2024?

The Duke Energy Foundation granted $740,000 to Florida's educational institutions and universities in 2024.

What is the purpose of Duke Energy Foundation's grants to Florida educational institutions?

The grants aim to support education and future workforce needs in Florida, focusing on energy and engineering initiatives, career exploration, and research opportunities.

How many organizations received grants from Duke Energy Foundation in Florida?

18 education-based organizations in Florida received grants from the Duke Energy Foundation.

What specific program did the University of Florida receive funding for from Duke Energy Foundation?

The University of Florida received $75,000 for three energy-focused initiatives, including the 'Energy Education, Mentoring and Scholarship Program' and the creation of a Sustainable and Resilient Energy Engineering Certificate (SREEC).

How will the FUTURES Foundation in Volusia County use its grant from Duke Energy Foundation?

The FUTURES Foundation will use its $30,000 grant to increase student engagement in three initiatives within Volusia County Schools, focusing on energy design studies in solar/alternative, electrical, and plant areas.