The Lake-Sumter State College Foundation has received a large grant from the Duke Energy Foundation.
The $115,000 grant will go toward the college’s Energy Utility Institute, which is offered in Sumter County. Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) is one of 18 organizations in Florida to collectively receive $715,000 in Duke Energy grants.
“We are thrilled about the Duke Energy Foundation’s gift to support energy education programs at Lake-Sumter State College,” said Dr. Laura Byrd, vice president of Institutional Advancement and executive director of the LSSC Foundation. “Our strong partnership with Duke Energy allows us to offer an industry-leading education for our students and a seamless transition into their full-time career within the energy industry.”
LSSC offers two degrees through the Energy Utility Institute. The first is the Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical Distribution in Technology – the lineworker program – that trains those who install and maintain power lines. The second is the Associate of Science in Engineering Technology, Substation and Relay Technology Specialization. Students in that program are trained to work in the energy industry building, designing and maintaining the electric grid.
“Lake-Sumter State College’s innovative Energy Utility Institute serves as model to be replicated throughout the country,” said Catherine Stempien, Duke Energy Florida president. “I’m proud that we’ve supported the energy program since its inception in 2014 and have also hired several graduates. Our continuous grant support demonstrates the merit of the programs, as well as our commitment to the future of our communities by empowering a skilled workforce to meet needs in high-demand fields.”
Graduates of both programs enter the workforce into high-paying and in-demand jobs. These career specialties are critical to the energy industry, as utilities work to maintain and upgrade the electric grid in Florida and throughout the country. Utility companies have invested billions of dollars in maintaining and strengthening their systems and these investments will continue in the future.
Students interested in enrolling in LSSC’s Energy Programs should click HERE.