— press release and picture provided by VGCC
VGCC receives $200,000 grant from Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas to connect students with apprenticeship opportunities
HENDERSON, N.C. – Vance-Granville Community College today announced a $200,000 investment from Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas. The funds will be used to connect students with hands-on training and career development opportunities.
The investment, from the Duke Energy Foundation, will support the “Vanguard Apprenticeship Collaborative,” a VGCC initiative designed to cultivate highly skilled workers for partnering companies in a number of industries. Grant funds will provide scholarships to adult students who are accepted into registered apprenticeship programs. Funds will also be used to purchase some equipment used for technical training and other supplies.
“Apprenticeships are key to meeting the workforce needs of our region’s industries while also supporting students’ academic and career success, and this new grant will allow Vance-Granville to continue to grow this exciting initiative,” said Dr. Stelfanie Williams, president of VGCC. “On behalf of our current and future apprentices and our local employers, we sincerely appreciate the strong support of our partners at Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas.”
From left, VGCC Vice President of Institutional Research & Technology Dr. Ken Lewis, TechHire grant project manager Kenneth Wilson and (at far right) President Dr. Stelfanie Williams accept a symbolic check representing the new grant from Duke Energy District Manager Tanya Evans (third from left). (VGCC photo)
“We are proud to partner with Vance-Granville Community College to connect students with apprenticeship and workforce training opportunities,” said Tanya Evans, Duke Energy district manager. “These students will gain valuable hands-on experience while directly helping meet the needs of the region’s industries.”
This grant is part of Duke Energy’s $35 million investment in North Carolina’s Community Colleges’ focus on technical education and support of business and industry. Individual community colleges could apply for funds through the North Carolina Community Foundation and the Foundation for the Carolinas. Applications were reviewed by a committee of representatives from Duke Energy, NC Community College System and NC Department of Commerce.
About Vance-Granville Community College
Vance-Granville Community College, one of the 58 institutions of the North Carolina Community College System, is the local source for higher education and training in Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties, north of the Research Triangle. Established in 1969, VGCC today serves students at four campuses (one in each county of the service area) and online. The college offers more than 40 curriculum programs, as well as occupational certifications, continuing education, adult education, customized training for employers and the first two years of a four-year degree. For more information, visit www.vgcc.edu.
About Duke Energy Foundation
The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to address the needs of the communities where its customers live and work. The foundation provides more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts. The foundation’s education focus spans kindergarten to career, particularly science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), early childhood literacy and workforce development. It also supports the environment and community impact initiatives, including arts and culture.
Duke Energy employees and retirees actively contribute to their communities as volunteers and leaders at a wide variety of nonprofit organizations. Duke Energy is committed to building on its legacy of community service. For more information, visit https://www.duke-energy.com/foundation.
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(Both VGCC and Duke Energy are advertising clients of WIZS. This is a news release. This is not a paid advertisement.)