The Duke Energy Foundation has generously provided a $20,000 grant to the Hamilton County Center for Career Achievement (HCCCA). The grant will support the development and expansion of educational programming for the nearly 70,000 students in the Hamilton County public school systems.
Duke Energy identifies that the funding is part of an effort to establish a connection for youth to the workforce pipeline.
The HCCCA was established in June 2021 to coordinate and expand the course offerings for students in all six public school systems within Hamilton County through initial support from the Hamilton County Council and Commissioners. The mission of the HCCCA is to provide students with an understanding of the high-wage, high-demand jobs that are available in their communities while giving them the education, credentials, and college credits to pursue these occupations after leaving high school. Currently, HCCCA plans to pilot multiple programs in the fall of 2022. Students throughout the County will be able to pursue coursework and experiences that have previously not been available.
Mark LaBarr, Community Relations Manager for Duke Energy, said, “Duke Energy wants to help every student realize their full potential and find their passion. This effort will help the young people of Hamilton County experience more dynamic educational experiences, connect with local employers and realize the opportunities available in our local economy after high school and college.”
“Through the generosity of Duke Energy, we will be able to create comprehensive education and training pathways that will provide students the opportunity to earn high school credit, college credit and stackable credentials,” said HCCCA Executive Director Carrie Lively. “Students across Hamilton County will have the opportunity to successfully transition into college or the workforce equipped with the knowledge and skills to be successful. This is a game-changer for students, families, and our community.”
Duke Energy and the HCCCA see this type of programming as an opportunity to grow and retain the top talent within Hamilton County, providing employers with a workforce pipeline that is trained to meet the needs of both today and in the future. The funding will run through September 2022 and is earmarked to support research, development, expansion, and implementation of coursework and work experiences available to all students in Hamilton County. The HCCCA is currently managed by Invest Hamilton County, the county’s local economic development organization in direct coordination with representatives from the six Hamilton County school corporations.