Two local educational programs are among those receiving $653,000 in grants from Duke Energy Foundation to empower students and educators across the Sunshine State.
Twenty-three grants are being awarded to enhance educational programs focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), as well as diversity, equity and inclusion awareness. The two local programs receiving money are:
- Educational Foundation of Lake County Inc. – Closing the Equity Gap through Engineering Pathways ($10,000); and
- Sumter Schools Enhancement Foundation – Sumter Vision for Success ($6,000).
“Building a brighter future begins with providing students with the best education and opportunities for success,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “These grants are an investment in our communities and will strengthen and support those who are educating our next generation.”
Other grant recipients, programs and awards across the state and in the greater Orlando area include:
- Consortium of Florida Education Foundations Inc. – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Professional Development for Florida’s Local Education Foundations ($45,000);
- Florida Education Foundation – Florida STEAMposium ($45,000);
- Foundation for Orange County Public Schools Inc. – 2021-2022 Teacher Impact Grants Program ($50,000);
- Orlando Science Center – Impactful STEM Fieldtrips ($45,000);
- Foundation for Seminole County Public Schools – Enhancing STEM Opportunities for Students in Seminole County ($40,000);
- Futures Inc. – EnviroSTEM 2022 ($30,000);
- A Gift for Teaching – Pencil Boys Program ($10,000);
- Educational Foundation of Lake County Inc. – Closing the Equity Gap through Engineering Pathways ($10,000);
- Sumter Schools Enhancement Foundation – Sumter Vision for Success ($6,000);
- Highlands County Education Foundation – STEM Mini-Grants for Energy, Engineering or Environmental Education ($5,000); and
- Orange County Library System – Summer Reading Program Outreach to Overcome COVID Divide ($5,000).
The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation contributes more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts and is funded by Duke Energy shareholder dollars. More information about the Foundation and its Powerful Communities program can be found at duke-energy.com/foundation.
