As the world transitions to a smarter, cleaner energy future, it’s not just infrastructure that needs upgrading—it’s people. Behind every megawatt of clean power stands a technician, an engineer, a planner, or a lineworker ready to ensure that energy reaches homes and businesses efficiently and reliably. Recognizing this truth, Duke Energy Foundation is making a powerful statement: you can’t build a sustainable energy future without building a sustainable workforce.
This week, Duke Energy announced a $600,000 investment in North Carolina’s community college system and student support programs to create a robust pipeline of skilled workers ready to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving energy sector. This is more than corporate charity—it’s strategic, visionary, and deeply impactful. It's corporate social responsibility with a mission: empowering communities by empowering individuals.
A Strategic Commitment to Workforce Development
Of the $600,000 total, $500,000 will support 19 community college programs across North Carolina that are aligned with energy sector workforce needs. These grants will be used to develop hands-on training, modernize technical education programs, and foster job placement for students entering high-demand roles—especially in electric utility fields like lineworker training, power systems maintenance, and renewable energy technologies.
This is not a one-off. Over the past five years, Duke Energy has invested more than $6.6 million in workforce development across the state. It's a clear indication that the company understands what sustainable leadership looks like: investing not only in physical assets but in human potential.
“As technologies change and we modernize our energy fleet, we want talent here in the state to help us support our communities and build a smarter energy future for customers.”
— Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina President
Spotlight on Durham Tech: Training Tomorrow’s Lineworkers
One standout recipient is Durham Technical Community College, awarded $25,000 to enhance its Electric Line Technician Training Program—a curriculum designed to fill one of the most in-demand roles in the utility industry. Electric lineworkers are critical to grid reliability and storm response, and demand for their skills is surging as infrastructure expands.
“Duke Energy’s continued commitment to Durham Tech ensures we are connecting skilled individuals to good jobs like electric line technicians.”
— J.B. Buxton, President of Durham Technical Community College
Durham Tech is one of the few institutions in the state offering a specialized pathway to these high-paying, essential careers. This grant enables the college to improve equipment, expand enrollment, and strengthen connections with employers—ensuring a seamless transition from classroom to career.
The Forward Fund: Removing Financial Barriers to High-Wage Careers
For the first time, Duke Energy Foundation is investing in The Forward Fund (TFF)—a bold, student-centered initiative that eliminates financial obstacles that often keep capable students out of the workforce pipeline. The $100,000 grant will provide zero-interest loans for essential living expenses such as transportation, housing, and child care, helping students remain focused on completing short-term technical training.
“We’re excited to be part of the workforce solution for high-wage energy careers in the state.”
— Meaghan Dennis, Founder & CEO of The Forward Fund
TFF’s model is not just generous—it’s smart. Loans are only repaid after students complete their programs and begin earning a minimum salary. The repayments are then recycled to support future learners, creating a sustainable ecosystem of opportunity.
This partnership ensures more students—particularly those from underserved communities—can access training for careers that pay well and offer long-term stability. This aligns seamlessly with Duke Energy’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and access.
Why It Matters: Energy Jobs Are the Jobs of the Future
As North Carolina continues to modernize its energy grid, expand renewable energy projects, and respond to climate imperatives, the demand for skilled energy professionals will skyrocket. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electrician and lineworker jobs are projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations over the next decade.
By investing in workforce development now, Duke Energy is ensuring North Carolina will have the talent it needs to lead in the energy transition—while also providing real economic opportunity for its residents.
- High school graduates can now pursue high-wage careers without the need for four-year degrees.
- Rural communities can benefit from localized training programs aligned with regional employer demand.
- Veterans and mid-career workers looking to transition into new roles have direct access to practical, in-demand skills.
This is climate-resilient capitalism at its best: building the workforce of tomorrow while strengthening the communities of today.
Corporate Sustainability That’s Measurable
Duke Energy's investments aren’t just philanthropic—they are foundational to their broader climate and social impact strategy. Here's how this initiative fits into their larger sustainability blueprint:
- Environmental - Supports transition to clean energy by building a capable workforce
- Social - Creates upward mobility and job security for underserved populations
- Economic - Stimulates local economies by matching training to regional employer demand
- Sustainable - Recirculating fund model ensures long-term access to financial support
The Bigger Picture: A Model for Corporate Responsibility
In a world where corporate social responsibility is often reduced to greenwashing or performative pledges, Duke Energy’s approach is refreshingly authentic and strategically holistic. It aligns corporate goals with community needs, environmental priorities, and economic realities.
It is a model for how energy companies—and all corporations—can turn sustainability from a slogan into a strategy.
Whether it’s enabling a young student in Wilmington to become a solar technician or helping a single parent in Durham complete lineworker training, this initiative is creating ripples of transformation that will be felt across families, industries, and generations.
Final Thoughts: Lighting the Path Forward
Duke Energy’s investment in North Carolina’s community colleges and student support systems is a compelling example of how corporate power can drive public good. It is a bold step forward in bridging the gap between climate ambition and workforce readiness.
In a time when our global challenges can feel overwhelming, this initiative reminds us that solutions start at the community level—and corporations have a crucial role to play.
From classroom to career, Duke Energy is illuminating the path to a brighter, more sustainable future.
Stay tuned to AmazingHour.com every Thursday for more inspiring spotlights on companies using their power to change the world—for people, planet, and prosperity.
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