44 Pinellas County Schools to Offer STEM Academies Through a Duke Energy Foundation Grant

From Duke Energy:


44 Pinellas County Schools to Offer STEM Academies Through a Duke Energy Foundation Grant

May 26, 2015

ST. PETERSBURG, FLA. -
The Duke Energy Foundation announced today it will contribute $267,000 to the Pinellas Education Foundation to establish after school science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs at 44 schools in Pinellas County. Each school, all serving Title I students, will have two academies for a total of 88 programs in Pinellas.

“We are proud to partner with the Pinellas Education Foundation to enhance science, technology, engineering and math courses in Pinellas County,” said Alex Glenn, Duke Energy state president – Florida. “These programs will engage students in core fundamentals and build a strong foundation for our future leaders.”

Over 1,700 elementary and middle schools students will have the opportunity to participate in the 26 week course which includes hands-on engineering and technology work. The curriculum and all class room supplies are funded through this grant. The after school academies will supplement in-school academics and grow the student’s learning in a STEM related course.

“Pinellas County Schools is a leader in developing the next generation of innovators, critical thinkers, mathematicians and scientists,” said Dr. Michael Grego, Superintendent of Pinellas County Schools. “Each week these student develop their passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics that will help them become leaders in our community. We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with Duke Energy and their financial contribution that has made our STEM program possible.”

“For more than three decades, Duke Energy has partnered with the Pinellas Education Foundation to ensure that our children receive the best education possible,” stated Cathy Collins, Chair of the Pinellas Education Foundation. “Because of their generosity through this amazing grant, students who take part in our Future Plans® program, Enterprise Village, Next Generation Entrepreneurs program and/or the many STEM academies in Pinellas will be positively impacted. Energy education grants will also be made available for our teachers, greatly increasing the number of students reached. We are eternally grateful for their community involvement and support they have given both the Pinellas Education Foundation and Pinellas County Schools.”

Duke Energy, through legacy companies, has supported the Pinellas Education since 2000. Last year Duke Energy and its foundation made more than $4 million in charitable investments in Florida. Duke Energy makes significant philanthropic investments in Florida communities supporting programs with a direct community impact, education, environmental and economic and workforce development.

In addition to this giving, Duke Energy employees contribute over $400,000 to charitable causes and volunteer tens of thousands of hours to local charities each year.

About Duke Energy
Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), provides electricity and related services to approximately 1.7 million customers in Florida. The company is headquartered in St. Petersburg, Fla., and serves a territory encompassing more than 20,000 square miles including the cities of St. Petersburg and Clearwater, as well as the Central Florida area surrounding Orlando. Duke Energy Florida is pursuing a balanced approach to meeting the future energy needs of the region. That balance includes increased energy-efficiency programs, investments in renewable energy technologies and a state-of-the-art electricity system. More information is available at www.duke-energy.com.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 250 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at: www.duke-energy.com.