Duke Energy Foundation Awards $10,000 Grant to Lenoir Community College Foundation

The Lenoir Community College Foundation has received a $10,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to expand scholarships and student support focused on workforce training and high-demand career pathways in eastern North Carolina.

Lauren Wargo, Government & Community Relations District Manager for Duke Energy, was on hand to present the grant to the LCC Foundation.

“LCC’s application stood out because of the impact this support can have on the community — not only in Lenoir County, but in the surrounding counties as well,” Wargo said. “Serving the growing workforce here is vital. We feel as though in Eastern NC, we are really just at the beginning of the workforce growth and opportunities we know are coming.”

The funding will be used primarily to expand scholarships and financial aid for students who may not qualify for federal or state assistance, especially those pursuing short-term workforce credentials. Support may cover tuition, fees, books, certification exams, equipment, and other essential costs for students training for in-demand careers.

Programs supported through this investment align with regional workforce needs, including advanced manufacturing, construction trades, logistics, information technology, and healthcare.

Wargo said Duke Energy hopes the grant will help achieve a simple but powerful goal: “To simply invest in the future of Lenoir County.”

In addition to scholarships, a portion of the funds will support wraparound resources such as emergency aid, transportation assistance, childcare support, and technology access that will help students stay enrolled and complete their programs. The grant will also allow for strengthened outreach and advising efforts to ensure eligible students receive the guidance they need to take advantage of available support.

“This investment from the Duke Energy Foundation will make a meaningful difference for our students and our region,” said Jeanne Kennedy, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement at LCC. “By removing financial barriers, we’re able to connect more students to workforce training that leads directly to high-demand jobs.”

“Partnerships like this strengthen our local economy and help ensure eastern North Carolina has the skilled workforce needed for the future,” said Dr. John Paul Black, LCC’s Senior Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development. “We’re grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for investing in our students.”