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Duke Energy Foundation Continues to Empower Students
The Duke Energy Foundation ’ s Powerful Communities program makes strategic investments to build powerful communities where our natural resources thrive , students can excel and a talented workforce drives economic prosperity for all . The foundation annually funds more than $ 30 million to communities throughout Duke Energy ’ s seven-state service area . Recently , the PHSC Foundation received a $ 40,000 grant through Duke Energy Foundation ’ s Powerful Communities program .
Through this grant , over 20 scholarships will be provided for students enrolled in engineering , design & drafting and related workforce programs while also securing matching scholarship funds for first-generation students in these fields . In addition , Duke Energy ’ s contribution supports students in achieving industry certifications such as AutoCAD and helps to fund the SkillsUSA program . SkillsUSA is a nationwide partnership that brings students , teachers and industry partners together at the local , state and national levels . This allows students the opportunity to demonstrate the correlation between their technical and academic learning and the needs of employers .
Since 2017 , the Duke Energy Foundation has provided $ 193,000 for student scholarships and program support at PHSC .
Community Foundation of Sarasota County Helps PHSC Students and Families
The PHSC Foundation recently received a $ 60,000 grant from the Edward K . Roberts Community College Fund of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County . Beginning over the summer term and continuing throughout the fall and spring , the Edward K . Roberts Community College Fund will provide scholarship support with a preference given to students who may not qualify for other financial aid and are parents , whether single or married .
Edward K . Roberts
Raised by a single mother , Roberts learned at a young age the determination and effort required to overcome barriers in order to achieve his goals . His success afforded him the ability to become a generous lifelong donor to PHSC . He relocated to Sarasota and , upon his death in 2009 , established the Edward K . Roberts Community College Fund at the Community Foundation . Since 2011 , the fund has provided $ 540,000 to assist PHSC students through scholarships .
PHSC student Brandy Lewis received scholarship assistance through this grant during the summer term , “ As a single mother , working toward providing a better future for my children and myself , I know of no better way than to continue and finish earning my bachelor ’ s degree . Thanks to the generosity provided by Mr . Roberts and the Community Foundation of Sarasota County , I am now one step closer to achieving my goal and dream of being the first in my family to obtain this higher-level degree .”
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