Duke Energy announced on Mar. 19 that it is awarding $50,000 each to Lake-Sumter State College, Seminole State College of Florida, Valencia College, St. Petersburg College, and South Florida State College to support their electrical lineworker training programs.
These grants aim to help students gain industry-recognized skills needed for entry-level positions at electric utilities. The training programs last between seven weeks and 18 months, providing a pathway into the workforce and helping meet the growing demand for skilled lineworkers.
Melissa Seixas, state president of Duke Energy Florida, said, “Lineworkers are the heart of our communities, helping keep the power flowing for our family members, friends and neighbors every single day. I’m proud of Duke Energy’s partnerships with such well-respected institutions and grateful for all they do to help introduce so many men and women to what I truly believe is one of the most celebrated and rewarding career paths.”
Dr. Laura Byrd of Lake-Sumter State College said scholarships from this partnership “not only remove financial barriers but also open the door to a valuable career pathway.” Dr. Jennifer Keefe from Seminole State College highlighted that funding for Project POWER is crucial for continued training efforts: “Our partnership with Duke Energy is a testament to both of our commitments to making our community stronger and more prepared for the challenges of the future and we are grateful for Duke Energy’s ongoing support.” Kathleen Plinske from Valencia College noted their long-standing collaboration with Duke Energy: “We are incredibly grateful for their long-standing support, and this grant demonstrates their continued commitment to our students.” Belinthia Berry at St. Petersburg College called it “a powerful investment in the future of our region,” while Emily W. Dabolt at South Florida State College described it as “a gamechanger” that ensures students gain real-world experience.
Duke Energy Florida supplies electricity across a 13,000-square-mile area in Florida and serves about two million customers. Its parent company operates in several states with electric utilities serving 8.6 million customers overall.
The initiative reflects broader efforts by Duke Energy to invest in grid upgrades and cleaner energy sources while supporting workforce development.
