SPC receives workforce grant from Duke Energy Florida – St. Petersburg College News
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St. Petersburg College is a 2020 recipient of a $100,000 grant award to support the launch of the SPC’s Diversity in Energy Initiative in partnership with Duke Energy Florida. The program will target and recruit historically underserved lower-income, minority and female populations for careers in the energy field and connect them to related educational pathways.
“We are proud to be able to exercise our relationships to bring awareness and access across our communities, especially in underserved areas,” said Dr. Matthew Liao-Troth, SPC’s Vice President of Academic Affairs. “This career nationally averages an annual salary of over $77,000, and it is in demand locally and regionally. We expect to have many successful graduates of the program.”
Duke Energy Florida is awarding $655,000 in grants to 19 workforce development and education programs as the region tackles economic disruptions from the coronavirus pandemic. The grants support education and training programs that address the most pressing skills gaps in communities served by Duke Energy Florida, as well as programs to cultivate the energy sector’s future workforce.
“At Duke Energy, we believe philanthropic giving is important to help our cities, our towns and our communities not only survive the current COVID-19 pandemic, but also grow and thrive,” said Catherine Stempien, state president of Duke Energy Florida. “During these unprecedented times, attracting, training and educating a diverse workforce for the future with the skills employers need can help our communities emerge from this pandemic stronger and more resilient.”