The grants awarded to six workforce developments across Indiana
Duke Energy, the giant electricity provider, has awarded grants of a total of $103,397 to six Indiana organizations to empower workforce development and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education opportunities. The Company has an obligation to help train and educate workers to meet customers’ expectations in the months and years ahead.
According to studies from the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Labor, 25 to 50 percent of utility employees will retire within the next five to 10 years. Among nearly 30,000 employees nationwide, 42 percent are heading to be retired in the coming five years and 54 percent will be eligible to retire in 10 years. “Eligible to retire” is defined as 55 years of age or older with at least five years of service.
The innovative approach of six workforce development grants:
Duke Energy, transforming customers’ experience, modernizing the energy grid, generating cleaner energy, and expanding natural gas has the aim to create a smarter energy future for the people and communities it serves. Its six ventured platforms are awarded for their key roles in serving STEM.
- Easterseals
Crossroads in Hancock and Shelby counties, $30,000 –
Through
its workforce development program focused to provide education and training to
individuals with disabilities seeking potential careers in the energy industry. - IU
Kokomo in Cass and Whitley counties, $10,000 –
It provides opportunities to all undergraduate students to participate in learning experiences by immersing
them in businesses and non-profit enterprises. - Tippecanoe
School Corporation in Tippecanoe County, $19,500 – Placements with partner organizations will help the
Greater Lafayette Career Academy’s engineering students to gain industry
experience and earn college credits through early college and/or dual
credit agreements. - Indiana State University in Vigo County, $12,500 –
This availed grant will
help build a vocational training certificate program for North Vigo High
School. With hands-on training in electronics and energy, the grant will improve job readiness for skilled workers in the community. - Workforce
Network Inc. in Vigo County, $21,347 – The Duke Energy Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) the challenge will provide an opportunity to teams from nine high schools to
participate in energy sector work-based learning experiences through a STEM
summer camp, classroom speakers, field trips and work experiences. - TechnoKats
robotics team in Kokomo, $10,000 - TechnoKats
inspires and motivates high schoolers to become interested in science and
technology. This grant will help the robotics team find a new location for
building its 2019 robot after the renovations at the center took place.
