Duke Energy, South Carolina State University offer $150,000 in scholarships to support nuclear engineering students

Rhea-AI Summary

Duke Energy has announced a $150,000 scholarship program aimed at supporting nuclear engineering students at South Carolina State University. This initiative will provide scholarships to 15 students over three years, fostering diversity in the nuclear workforce. The program is part of Duke's ongoing commitment to strengthen ties with historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Additionally, Duke aims for significant carbon reduction and renewable energy goals, positioning itself as a leader in clean energy.

Positive

• Duke Energy is investing $150,000 in scholarships, supporting 15 nuclear engineering students, enhancing workforce diversity.
• The initiative strengthens relationships with HBCUs, indicating a commitment to talent acquisition and community engagement.
• Duke Energy's clean energy strategy includes 50% carbon reduction by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050.

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• None.

GREENVILLE, S.C., Nov. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy today announced $150,000 in student scholarships to South Carolina State University that will help to create a diverse pipeline of talent for the nuclear workforce of the 21st century.

The Duke Energy Foundation has provided a grant to the university that is providing scholarships to 15 nuclear engineering students over a three-year period to increase the number of diverse graduates in the university's Nuclear Engineering Program.

"We are very proud of our Nuclear Engineering Program, which is the only undergraduate program of its kind in South Carolina," said South Carolina State University Interim President Alexander Conyers. "We appreciate Duke Energy, one of the nation's premier energy providers, for supporting our program and helping create a diverse pipeline of talent for the nuclear workforce of the 21st century.

"Together we are working to ensure reliable, carbon-free and cost-effective nuclear power for generations," Conyers said.

Strengthening relationships and recruiting strategy at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) has been a priority for the company's talent acquisition team since 2018, when Duke Energy was the first utility to sign the HBCU Partnership Challenge. Congress created the challenge to increase engagement between corporations and HBCUs. At the time, 13 companies had signed, including Intel, Lyft and Amazon. Now, more than 40 are committed.

"South Carolina State University has a significant reputation as a leader in building the high-quality workforce our state and nation need today and in years to come," said Mike Callahan, Duke Energy's South Carolina state president. "We are excited about the future of the clean energy workforce and what these scholars will achieve."

Visit https://scsu.edu/about-sc-state/ to learn more about South Carolina State University and its Nuclear Engineering Program.

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 and its Powerful Communities program can be found at duke-energy.com/foundation.

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities serve 7.9 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 51,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 27,500 people.

Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy strategy to create a smarter energy future for its customers and communities – with goals of at least a 50 percent carbon reduction by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The company is a top U.S. renewable energy provider, on track to own or purchase 16,000 megawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2025. The company also is investing in major electric grid upgrades and expanded battery storage, and exploring zero-emitting power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear.

Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2021 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' "America's Best Employers" list. More information is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos and videos. 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: Ryan Mosier
800.559.3853

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SOURCE Duke Energy

FAQ

What is the purpose of Duke Energy's $150,000 scholarship program?

The scholarship program supports 15 nuclear engineering students at South Carolina State University, enhancing diversity in the nuclear workforce.

How will the scholarships be distributed?

The scholarships will be provided to 15 students over a three-year period.

What commitment does Duke Energy have towards clean energy?

Duke Energy aims for a 50% carbon reduction by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Why is Duke Energy focusing on HBCUs?

Duke Energy is prioritizing engagement with historically Black colleges and universities to strengthen workforce development and diversity.