Duke Energy Foundation Grants Support Workforce Development in Ohio and Kentucky

Duke Energy Foundation has recently granted a total of $265,000 to various organizations in southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky. These organizations are dedicated to promoting workforce development and providing job training programs. Amy Spiller, the president of Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky, emphasized the importance of these initiatives in building a strong talent pool for the future regional economy. The grants will support the selected organizations in their efforts to offer job training, academic support, and community services, contributing to the growth of vibrant neighborhoods and local economies. This funding represents a continued commitment from the Duke Energy Foundation, which has previously awarded 66 grants over the past five years, supporting more than 45 regional nonprofit organizations and their workforce initiatives.
 
“Gateway Community & Technical College is grateful for Duke Energy’s continued support of the Utility Lineworker Program. The funds will be used to incorporate more hands-on learning experiences so that students will be prepared to join the energy workforce as an apprentice with an understanding of the skills, knowledge, safe work practices, and physical ability required to perform line work. Meeting the needs of the region’s workforce needs is a top priority for Gateway and we’re pleased to partner with Duke Energy on this effort,” said Fernando Figueroa, president, Gateway Community & Technical College.
 
“Cincinnati Works is grateful for Duke Energy’s Foundation grant to support our Fair Chance Hiring Program. The grant will be used to offer a suite of services to assist returning citizens in finding meaningful employment. In turn, a transformation can take place. Having a job can give an individual the means and the motivation to overcome past adversities, provide for loved ones, and achieve their dreams,” said Tianay Amat, president & CEO, Cincinnati Works.
 
Here are the organizations that have received grants this year:
 

 

In Ohio:

The Duke Energy Foundation is committed to supporting the communities where Duke Energy customers reside. With an annual contribution of over $30 million in charitable gifts, the foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholder dollars. For more information about the foundation, visit duke-energy.com/foundation.
 
Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides electricity to 880,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in a 3,000-square-mile service area, as well as natural gas service to 550,000 customers in a 2,650-square-mile service area in Ohio and Kentucky.
 
Duke Energy, a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of the largest energy holding companies in the United States. Its electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, with a total energy capacity of 50,000 megawatts. The natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio, and Kentucky. The company has a workforce of 28,000 employees.
 
Duke Energy is committed to a clean energy transition and has set ambitious goals, including achieving net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company has interim targets to reduce carbon emissions by at least 50% from electric generation by 2030, 50% for certain emissions by 2035, and 80% from electric generation by 2040. Duke Energy is also investing in grid enhancements, energy storage, and exploring zero-emission power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear.
 
Duke Energy has received recognition for its achievements, including being named to Fortune's 2022 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' "World's Best Employers" list.