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Duke Energy awards $233,950 to CCCC for robotics training

03.20.2014 • College & Community, College General, Curriculum Programs, Continuing Education

SANFORD - The Duke Energy Foundation has awarded a $233,950 grant to Central Carolina Community College for high technology workforce training.

The grant funds will be used to incorporate robotics into a range of manufacturing-related training programs at the college. With this training, graduates entering the workforce in the fields of welding, maintenance, and quality control will be equipped for success in the automated production environments of the 21st century.

"We are delighted and profoundly grateful to Duke Energy for this generous grant," said CCCC President Dr. Bud Marchant. "In recent years, the college has made major investments in a range of training programs in welding. These robotic welders will help us to train students and workers with the high-tech skills that manufacturers demand. That translates into better job opportunities and increased economic development for the area."

With the funds, the college will purchase three robotic welding cells for the welding program at its Lee County Campus. It will also expand the welding bays at the Industry Training Center in the Innovation Center at the Lee County Industrial Park.

"Our partnership with Central Carolina Community College provides high-tech workforce training that will attract and retain business in North Carolina for years to come," said Paul Newton, Duke Energy state president-North Carolina.

The grant is part of Duke Energy's $6.7 million investment in North Carolina community colleges' focus on technical education and support of business and industry. Since 2004, the company has awarded $15 million in grants to 24 community colleges within the Duke Energy Carolinas service territory. This new $6.7 million investment also includes community colleges located in the Duke Energy Progress service area.

"Everybody wants a better life," said Indira Everett, Duke Energy district manager for Durham, Orange, Chatham and Lee counties, who made the check presentation. "Anytime we can partner to help them have that, we are pleased. I enjoy it when I can find great partnership opportunities with community colleges and other organizations that line up with our focus on economic development. It's been a pleasure working with CCCC and a great opportunity to show support for Lee County and its workforce development."

CCCC is a highly rated institution with campuses and centers serving residents of Chatham, Harnett and Lee countries and beyond. The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Scientific and Technical Information described the college on its website as a "strong force for educational opportunities, economic progress and cultural enrichment in the communities it serves." Its academic programs turn out graduates prepared to succeed either in the workforce or in further studies at the university level. For more information about CCCC and its programs, visit www.cccc.edu.

The Duke Energy Foundation makes charitable investments on behalf of Duke Energy, the largest electric power holding company in the United States with 7.2 million customers in six states. The foundation makes grants supporting the environment, economic development, education and community vitality. In North Carolina, Duke Energy Foundation invests $16 million annually for community support and charitable contributions.

Individual community colleges can apply for funds through the Foundation for the Carolinas (Duke Energy Carolinas customers) or NC Community Foundation (Duke Energy Progress customers). A committee of representatives from Duke Energy, the N.C. Community College System, and the N.C. Department of Commerce will review applications. To learn more about Duke Energy Foundation, visit www.duke-energy.com/community.

Duke Energy awards $233,950 to CCCC for robotics training

The Duke Energy Foundation has awarded a $233,950 grant to Central Carolina Community College for robotics welding equipment to help train the modern manufacturing workforce. Pictured with a mock-up of the check are (from left) Cathy Swindell, director of the college's Industry Services Office; Dr. Bud Marchant, CCCC president; Indira Everett, Duke Energy district manager for Durham, Orange, Chatham, and Lee counties; and Matt Van Hoose, CCCC coordinator of Grants and Sponsored Programs. The grant funds will be used to incorporate robotics into a range of manufacturing-related training programs. For more information about CCCC and its programs, visit www.cccc.edu.