Duke Energy is investing $734,000 in strategic workforce development and education programs in Florida.

The Duke Energy Foundation grants will help job seekers and students who are members of underrepresented groups, such as women and minorities, to prepare for employment, primarily in the energy sector. This support will further bolster and expand the state’s existing skilled workforce.

“These grants support vital programs and help develop a diverse workforce needed to strengthen our communities and economies today and in the future.” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president.

One of this year’s recipients is the University of Florida and its Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. The university is receiving a $100,000 grant to create the Energy Sustainability, Technology and Resiliency Testing Hub and Certificate Program.

“We greatly appreciate Duke Energy’s generosity and foresight in making this gift,” said Dr. Jonathan Scheffe, associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at the University of Florida. “It will enable an exciting new pathway for students who want to build an engineering career in energy sustainability and resiliency. Students will learn about state-of-the-art, climate-friendly technologies that reflect the future needs of energy.”

The university plans to use the grant to provide scholarship opportunities for students who are earning a Sustainable and Resilient Energy Engineering Certificate at the University of Florida’s Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering.

All of the grants are administered through the Duke Energy Foundation, which is investing in workforce programs in the energy sector to help build the next generation workforce, as well as create access to training and job skills programs that meet community needs today.

Read the full article here.