Duke Energy Foundation Grants | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Washington, NC     During the last four years, the Duke Energy Foundation has contributed $ 825,916 to Beaufort County Community College. BCCC is ranked eleven in terms of grants received across the 58 community colleges in North Carolina, putting it on par with much larger community colleges in the state.

    Much of the funding has gone to replacing welding, fabrication and other industrial equipment to keep up with the latest in technology. Manufacturers are looking for students who are trained on the latest equipment used in the field. The updated technology gives students an advantage in the workplace. Many BCCC students have jobs lined up before they even graduate the program. Instructors Ted Clayton and Matthew Lincoln have been instrumental identifying program needs by working with employers and the BCCC grant writer, Julie Crippen.


Millie Chalk with Duke Energy speaks to instructor Matthew Lincoln about the needs of the community college

    The Duke Energy Foundation contributed $141,029 in 2013, $248,302 in 2014, $221,111 in 2015 and 215,474 in 2016. More grant applications are in the works already. The funds have purchased equipment such as virtual welders, which save the college on materials used for training and give detailed feedback to students on their techniques. "Duke Energy Foundation has been a great supporter of ours over the last few years," cheered Julie Crippen. "They are committed to keeping our advanced manufacturing, welding and mechanical engineering programs competitive."

    "Beaufort County Community College is committed to equipping its students with the skills needed to compete in today's rapidly evolving, global economy," said Duke Energy District Manager Millie Chalk. "We're proud to partner with them to develop and retain a highly-skilled workforce in this region for years to come."

    Beaufort County Community College provides accessible and affordable quality education, effective teaching, relevant training and lifelong learning opportunities to the people of Beaufort, Hyde, Tyrrell and Washington Counties. Its machining and welding instructors are often able to place students with local companies even before they have finished their certification. To learn more about BCCC, visit www.beaufortccc.edu/.

    Duke Energy Foundation makes charitable investments on behalf of Duke Energy, the largest electric power holding company in the United States with 7.2 million customers in six states. Over the foundation's long history in local communities, it has identified focus areas that maximize the foundation's dollars and guide the foundation's giving. In North Carolina, Duke Energy Foundation invests $16 million annually for community support and charitable contributions. To learn more about Duke Energy Foundation, visit www.duke-energy.com/community.

• Contact: Crystal Feldman
•     govpress@nc.gov