Duke Energy awards more than $650,000 in grants to educational programs
April 9, 2021 - The Duke Energy Foundation has awarded 23 grants, totaling $653,000, to educational programs throughout Florida that promote science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) training as well as equity and inclusion awareness. In the Tampa Bay region, the Pinellas Education Foundation received $180,000 in support of its STEM Academy Program, which, according to a news release, fosters STEM content knowledge and workforce skill development for students in grades 2-12 using an extended school day and summer camp offerings. The program is free and open to any Pinellas County student, but is focused on under-represented, low-income and diverse students. "Building a brighter future begins with providing students with the best education and opportunities for success," Duke Energy Florida President Melissa Seixas stated in the release. "These grants are an investment in our communities and will strengthen and support those who are educating our next generation."