In recognition of National Engineers Week, Duke Energy and Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) announced their efforts to support engineering achievement and career attainment within Pasco and Hernando counties in Florida.
National Engineers Week, a weeklong celebration known as EWeek, is dedicated to ensuring a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce by increasing understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers.
PHSC offers a plethora of degrees and programs, such as engineering technology, drafting and design, to prepare students for employment in engineering positions.
Last year, the PHSC Foundation received a $40,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to provide scholarship assistance to 20 students pursuing engineering, design and drafting degrees. The scholarships are specifically intended to motivate and prepare students, especially those from underrepresented communities, to pursue and attain engineering careers.
“The engineering technology program develops PHSC students for skills in mechatronics, pneumatics and hydraulics, and automation as tomorrow’s manufacturer,” said Dr. Alysen S. Heil, Ed.D., Dean, Workforce Development and Career & Technical Education at PHSC. “By engaging PHSC students with the skills listed above, we are helping them become marketable for many of the emerging manufacturers in the Pasco and Hernando area. We are grateful for Duke Energy’s continued support of this valuable program.”
The grant leveraged matching funds for up to 30 more scholarships for first-generation students, as well as help for students to earn industry certifications. The funding also supported the Cybersecurity Hackathon, where more than 35 students participated in an ethical hacking competition while gaining experience in the field of cybersecurity, as well as the SkillsUSA program.
The recent grant adds to a long-standing history of support from Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation. Since 2017, Duke Energy and its foundation have given more than $190,000 in scholarships and program support to PHSC.
“Duke Energy engineers, whether they work in chemical, civil, mechanical, electrical, environmental and many other disciplines, are crucial to our company’s success and vision of a cleaner energy future,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “We are proud to support PHSC in their work to engage students in engineering. Programs like these are helping students with different backgrounds and abilities gain the skills needed to attain engineering careers and become the next generation of critical thinkers, leaders and problem solvers.”
