Cleveland Community College recently announced a $200,000 investment from Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas. The funds will be used to connect students with hands-on training and career development opportunities.
The investment from the Duke Energy Foundation, will be used to support preapprenticeship training for students in the form of course fees and materials needed in the Electrical Lineworker Academy, a 10-week, short-term training academy delivered through the Continuing Education department at the College. Funds will also be used to purchase load trainer transformer trainers and supplies to better equip lineworker academy participants to become apprentices.
"CCC is pleased to receive this grant from Duke Energy. One of the College's primary purposes is to partner with organizations in the public sector," said Dr. William Aiken, CCC interim president. "The grant will surely provide this possibility. Working together, hopefully we can help resolve relevant issues in the energy field."
"Duke Energy depends on a diverse workforce to power the homes and businesses of North Carolinians every day," said Craig DeBrew, Duke Energy district manager. "It's important that we support programs like the Electrical Lineworker Academy to strengthen the pipeline of highly-skilled workers who will move our state and industry forward."
This grant is part of Duke Energy's $35 million investment in North Carolina's Community Colleges' focus on technical education and support of business and industry. Individual community colleges could apply for funds through the North Carolina Community Foundation and the Foundation for the Carolinas. Applications were reviewed by a committee of representatives from Duke Energy, NC Community College System and NC Department of Commerce.

PICTURED: Duke Energy presented a grant check for $200,000 to the Electrical Lineworker Academy. Holding the check are CCC Vice President of Continuing Education Ken Mooney, Duke Energy Regional Manager Craig DeBrew, CCC Interim President William Aiken, and Academy Program Coordinator Alan Qualls. Standing behind them are members of the current Academy class.
Submitted by Paula Vess