Duke Energy Foundation Grant

HCC receives $25,000 Workforce Development grant from Duke Energy

May 13, 2026

(Clyde, NC) – Haywood Community College was recently awarded a $25,000 grant to increase awareness about their electrical and trades programs through additional marketing and outreach from a generous Duke Energy grant.

The project, to increase enrollment in electrical and trades programs through marketing and community outreach, will allow the college to create new strategies and increase current methods to reach potential students.

Doug Burchfield, Dean of Workforce & Industry at HCC shares “We are grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for investing in the future of workforce education and economic mobility at Haywood Community College and the residents of Haywood County.”

The hands-on programs featured in this outreach will prepare students to immediately enter the workforce. HCC has been able to continuously upgrade classroom equipment to ensure students are learning their skills on the most up-to-date equipment to truly be employer-ready.

The electrical, automotive, and welding programs all start in August, with the construction trade classes being offered throughout the year. HCC’s Industrial Systems Technology is a spring-start program, beginning again in Spring 2027 and offering evening and online classes to help students that may be employed while attending college.

HCC will introduce a new Line Worker certification course starting in July 2026 with new equipment and outdoor training facility ready for students.

Grants and partnerships such as the one between Duke Energy and HCC help to grow our local workforce in critical response positions and with special trades that our region needs to continue to grow our local economy.