— submitted by Courtney Cissel, VGCC Public Information Officer
Vance-Granville Community College is expanding its capacity to prepare students for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing and the energy sector thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation.
The grant is part of a broader $600,000 Duke Energy Foundation investment to strengthen North Carolina’s energy workforce. Through the effort, 20 community colleges across the state will receive resources to help develop the skilled workforce needed for the state’s continued growth and infrastructure investments.
The colleges will receive $25,000 each to support hands-on training, equipment, scholarships, and curriculum enhancements for programs connected to the energy ecosystem—from electrical systems and linework to welding, HVAC, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technologies. According to College officials, Vance-Granville will use the funding to purchase a piece of equipment that will be used across several programs at its Center for Advanced Manufacturing & Applied Technology, which is currently under development.
“This funding enables the College to make significant investments in staying aligned with current industry partner standards in mechatronics, electronics, welding, and other advanced manufacturing programs,” noted VGCC President Dr. Rachel Desmarais. “The funding will also provide foundational equipment necessary to meet new local training needs in computer numerical control machining.”
From left: Tanya Weary, VGCC Foundation Executive Director; Beth Townsend, Duke Energy Government & Community Relations; Dr. Rachel Desmarais, VGCC President; and Fredesvinda Colindres, VGCC Grants Administrator.
The Bigger Picture
North Carolina is now home to more than 11 million residents and remains one of the fastest‑growing states in the nation. In 2025 alone, companies announced economic development projects generating more than 35,000 jobs and $24 billion in investments—much of it tied to new manufacturing facilities. That growth is driving rising energy demand and reinforcing the need for a well‑prepared, locally trained workforce.
“Investing in North Carolina’s community colleges is critical as our industry and state meet this incredible growth moment,” said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina President. “These programs are proven launchpads into meaningful, in‑demand careers—helping build the workforce that will power what’s next and support the infrastructure our customers rely on every day.”
In addition, the Duke Energy Foundation is investing $100,000 in two regional workforce partners to help expand access to high-demand training programs aligned with the energy sector. One of those partners is AdvanceNC, a regional coalition among community colleges, universities, and workforce boards focused on supplying skilled talent for Central North Carolina employers. Vance-Granville Community College has been a member of AdvanceNC since its 2023 inception.
