Duke Energy Foundation awards $500K to strengthen North Carolina community college trades and energy training

Foundation grants target trades training in North Carolina

Duke Energy Foundation is awarding $500,000 in grants to North Carolina community colleges to help prepare the next generation of skilled energy and trade workers. The programme offers up to 20 colleges $25,000 each to expand or strengthen high‑demand craft and technical programs, including lineworker training, electrical, mechanical and electronics engineering technology, welding, plumbing, construction trades and vehicle maintenance.

Powering the pipeline: community colleges receive focused support

The awards are intended to build a stronger talent pipeline as the state faces record energy demand driven by rapid growth, helping utilities and contractors reduce hiring gaps. Colleges that receive funding are expected to prioritise partnerships with employers and align curricula to credentialing pathways to maximise student placement in well‑paying, in‑demand roles across the region. Officials say the targeted programs are critical to long‑term workforce resilience and local economic development.

The grants are open to eligible community colleges through the Duke Energy Foundation website, with applications due by Feb. 25, 2026. The $500,000 package adds to more than $6 million the Foundation has invested in North Carolina workforce development over the past five years and forms part of a broader philanthropic programme that provides more than $30 million annually, funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

Community college leaders and utility executives welcome the push

North Carolina Community College System president Dr. Jeff Cox says community colleges align education with workforce needs to drive skills, careers and economic mobility. Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy North Carolina state president, frames the investment as part of the company's long‑term commitment to building a skilled, homegrown workforce that keeps the economy moving and the energy grid strong.

Company context and strategic aims

Duke Energy, headquartered in Charlotte, serves about 8.6 million electric customers and 1.7 million natural gas customers across six states and owns roughly 55,100 megawatts of capacity as it invests in grid upgrades and cleaner generation. The foundation awards target roles and programmes that support those investments by increasing local training capacity and smoothing the transition to a more resilient, modernised energy system.