The funding provides each institution with $20,000 to acquire essential equipment, including welding apparatus and electrical training supplies. These resources target industries where labor shortages have historically stalled regional development. For institutions like Florence-Darlington Technical College, the support arrives as construction firms in the Pee Dee region report that a lack of qualified workers remains the primary driver of project delays.

Tim Pearson, president of Duke Energy South Carolina, noted that the company’s own infrastructure projects, such as the new natural gas facility in Anderson County, will require thousands of trade workers over the coming years. By funding certifications and hands-on education, the foundation intends to ensure local students are positioned to fill these roles. This initiative continues a long-term strategy for the foundation, which has directed $5.4 million toward South Carolina workforce development since 2016.

The grant recipients include Central Carolina Technical College, Florence-Darlington Technical College, Greenville Technical College, Northeastern Technical College, Piedmont Technical College, Spartanburg Community College, Tri-County Technical College, Williamsburg Technical College, and York Technical College.