SANFORD, N.C. - Duke Energy and Central Carolina Community College today announced a $185,647 investment from the Duke Energy Foundation.

The funds will be used to purchase updated equipment and equipment enhancements for programs including Computer Integrated Machining, Welding Technology, Industrial Systems Technology, and Laser and Photonics.

These targeted updates and expansions to Central Carolina's advanced manufacturing programs will further equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet changing industry needs.

"We are incredibly grateful that Duke Energy has chosen to partner with Central Carolina to provide cutting edge equipment for our students in these high-wage, high-demand, technical fields," said Linda Scuiletti, CCCC associate vice president, student learning and strategic planning. "By helping us prepare the skilled workforce needed by local industry, this generous gift also strengthens and enriches our communities. A huge 'Thank you' to Duke Energy on behalf of the many future students who will benefit."

"Central Carolina Community College is committed to equipping its students with the skills needed to compete in emerging sectors of today's economy," said Indira Everett, Duke Energy district manager. "We're excited to make this important investment in this region and to work with Central Carolina to serve the needs of the rapidly growing advanced manufacturing sector."

This grant is part of Duke Energy's $30 million investment in North Carolina Community Colleges' focus on technical education and support of business and industry. Individual community colleges can apply for funds through the NC Community Foundation. Applications will be reviewed by a committee of representatives from Duke Energy, NC Community College System and NC Department of Commerce.

About Central Carolina Community College

Central Carolina Community College offers a wide variety of programs at its three campus locations and multiple instructional locations throughout Chatham, Harnett, and Lee counties. Within these programs, students can earn associate degrees or college transfer credits, diplomas, or certificates. Some programs are offered entirely, or in part, via online distance education. CCCC is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. BestColleges.com has ranked CCCC ninth among the two-year schools in the Best Colleges in North Carolina rankings and ninth among the online associate degree programs in the Most Affordable Online Colleges in the United States rankings in 2015. CCCC is one of only four of North Carolina's 58 community colleges to have met or exceeded the excellence level in at least four areas of the 2015 Performance Measures for Student Success report announced in June by the N.C. Community College System. To learn more about Central Carolina Community College, visit www.cccc.edu.

About Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to address the needs vital to the health of its communities. Annually, the Foundation funds more than $25 million in charitable grants, with a focus on education, environment, economic and workforce development, and community impact. Duke Energy has long been committed to supporting the communities where its customers and employees live and work, and will continue to build on this legacy. For more information, visit www.duke-energy.com/foundation.

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