Duke Energy Foundation awards grants

PLAINFIELD, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — Several workforce development and education programs in Indiana have been awarded a total of $280,000 in grants from the Duke Energy Foundation. The grants to the 11 recipients will be used to help build a pipeline of workers prepared for employment.

Plainfield-based Duke Energy Indiana President Stan Pinegar says well-trained workers are one of the greatest needs of Indiana businesses. 

“Many of the jobs don’t require a college degree but instead need skilled workers with specialized training. These grants support that demand. Developing a skilled workforce is key to attracting and retaining business in Indiana, and it’s a high priority of Duke Energy,” said Pinegar.

One of the grants went to Dimension Mill in Bloomington to be used to support its 10-week program for those under-or unemployed who are interested in a tech sector career. “The Mill Code School” focuses on local tech businesses with an urgent need for talent and offers software development training, career readiness and a career coach.

The Mill Head of Initiatives and Partnerships Melissa Ward says small tech companies need talent.

“With the help of grants such as this, we partner with Ivy Tech Community College and can provide not only training for those interested in starting a new career in technology, but we help with connections and the job search. Code/IT Academy is a matchmaker of sorts, training new employees and connecting them with growing tech companies in our area,” said Ward.

Grant recipients: 

• Bona Vista Programs Inc., $10,000 – Specialized training will help prepare caregivers for the developmentally disabled.
• Columbus Area Chamber Foundation, $15,000 – Supporting entrepreneurship and creation of innovation-driven businesses.
• Dimension Mill Inc., $34,500 – Training program for under/unemployed who are interested in starting a new career in the technology sector.
• Goodwill Education Initiatives, $40,000 – Helping adults earn a high school diploma and post-secondary credits.
• Hamilton Heights School Corporation, $20,000 -Career and technical education programs.
• Huntington University, $10,000 – Agriculture workforce development.
• Indiana Veteran Initiative, $50,000 – Support for ambassadors on military bases to help transition veterans to Indiana companies.
• Noblesville Schools Education Foundation, $10,000 – SoftSkills integration within Noblesville Schools’ internship program.
• Region 10 Workforce Board, $50,000 – Training for skills needed by local manufacturing industry.
• Vigo County School Corporation, $30,000 – Countywide College and Career Pathways program for high school juniors and seniors.
• Westfield Education Foundation, $10,000 – Support for certification cost for students and teachers in its trades program