Lake-Sumter State College and the LSSC Foundation are proud to announce a gift from Duke Energy Florida of $120,000 to support the College’s Energy Utility Institute located in Sumter County.
Lake-Sumter State College is one of 19 programs to collectively receive $655,000 in grants from the Duke Energy Foundation.
“We are incredibly grateful to Duke Energy for their generous and ongoing support of our energy programs,” said Stan Sidor, president of Lake-Sumter State College. “Our strong partnership allows us to offer an industry-leading education for our students who can seamlessly transition into high-wage jobs in the energy industry. We believe our program is second to none in providing an expansive and in-depth curriculum for line workers and relay technicians.”
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.
“At Duke Energy, we believe philanthropic giving is important to help our cities, our towns and our communities not only survive the current COVID-19 pandemic, but also grow and thrive,” said Catherine Stempien, state president Duke Energy Florida. “During these unprecedented times, attracting, training and educating a diverse workforce for the future with skills employers need, can help our communities emerge from this pandemic stronger and more resilient.”