Lake-Sumter State College and the LSSC Foundation, Inc. are pleased to announce a $110,000 gift from Duke Energy Florida in support of the College’s Energy Utility Institute.
“Duke Energy is proud of our partnership with Lake-Sumter State College and the positive outcomes of the workforce development initiatives we support,” said Harry Sideris, president of Duke Energy Florida. “We invest in its energy technology programs to further bolster the area’s existing skilled workforce and help make a positive impact in the community we serve. These programs enable local residents to receive training in high-demand fields and land opportunities with businesses in the region.”
Lake-Sumter State College offers two degree programs through the Energy Utility Institute. The first degree is the A.A.S. in Electrical Distribution in Technology, commonly known as the Lineworker program, which trains the hard-working men and women who install and maintain power lines (distribution systems). The second is the A.S. in Engineering Technology, Substation and Relay Technology Specialization. Students in this program are trained to work in the energy industry building, designing, and maintaining the electric grid.
“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,” said Dr. Laura Byrd, AVP of Institutional Advancement & Executive Director, LSSC Foundation. “Duke Energy’s support has been instrumental in the ongoing success of the programs in the Energy Utility Institute.”
Graduates of both of these 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.
Duke Energy Florida has invested 2.4 billion dollars in its infrastructure since 2004. In 2016, Duke crews inspected over 103,000 of the utility’s 802,000 wood distribution poles, treated over 82,000 to prevent decay, and replaced over 4,400.
Duke Energy Florida’s charitable contributions, scholarships, and in-kind support to Lake-Sumter State College exceeds $700,000 since 2013.