Energy company Duke Energy provides grants worth $150,000 to charitable organizations in northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati
Duke Energy and its Foundation recently hosted a workforce development grant ceremony at the Brighton Center in Newport, awarding a total of $150,000 to 14 organisations. The grants aim to support local training and development programs that align with the energy industry's needs, particularly as it transitions to modern infrastructure and cleaner energy technologies.
The organisations receiving grants are working to strengthen the workforce development pipeline for high-demand industries. Among the recipients are the Butler Warren County Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training, Cincinnati Works, Gateway Community and Technical College Foundation, Talbert House, Freestore Foodbank, Chatfield College, Northern Kentucky University, Supply Chain OKI, Per Scholas, Advanced Manufacturing Industry Partnership, Groundwork Ohio River Valley, St. Rita School for the Deaf, Easterseals Redwood Tristate, and the Brighton Center itself.
Wonda Winker, president and CEO of the Brighton Center, gave welcome remarks, and Rhonda Whitaker Hurtt, Duke Energy Ohio/Kentucky vice president of community relations, also spoke. Kim Vogelgesang from Duke Energy Foundation distributed the grants.
The grants focus on supporting workforce development programs in Northern Kentucky counties such as Boone, Campbell, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton, and Pendleton, which cover the Greater Cincinnati area. Programs funded typically involve career exploration, skill-building in STEM and utility trades, mentorship, immersive learning opportunities, and technology upgrades. The grants help build a skilled workforce supporting Duke Energy’s grid modernization and energy transition efforts.
Duke Energy works with educational institutions, workforce development organisations, and local economic development councils to create training pathways leading to employment opportunities within Duke Energy and the broader energy sector. Although no specific 2025 award announcement for Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati was found, the Foundation confirms ongoing support and grant availability for workforce development in this region as part of their broader workforce initiative.
Thus, Duke Energy’s 2025 Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati workforce development grants are designed to build skilled regional energy-sector talent pipelines through funding education and training programs aligned with Duke Energy’s current and future workforce needs.
- The Brighton Center in Newport, where Duke Energy and its Foundation recently held a grant ceremony, is one of the 14 organizations in Northern Kentucky and the Greater Cincinnati area receiving funding for workforce development.
- Funded programs by Duke Energy's grants often focus on career exploration, technology upgrades, and STEM and utility trades education, fostering a skilled workforce in alignment with Duke Energy's modern infrastructure and cleaner energy transitions.
- With educational institutions, workforce development organizations, and local economic development councils, Duke Energy is collaborating to establish training pathways leading to employment opportunities in Duke Energy and the broader energy sector.
- Beginning in 2025, Duke Energy plans to continue supporting workforce development in Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati, aiming to build regional talent pipelines through funding for education and training programs tailored to the current and future workforce needs in the energy sector.
