Duke Energy is doling out $1 million across the state of Florida for programs furthering science, technology, engineering and math learning. A good chunk of the money is coming to Pinellas County.
According to the Tampa Bay Business Journal, $267,222 is being allocated to the Pinellas County Education Foundation. That group organized in 1986 to help support Pinellas County public school teachers and students.
The group has raised more than $10 million since its inception. It’s a coalition of business and community leaders who work together with the goal of furthering educational opportunities in public schools.
Duke Energy is also contributing $85,000 to the University of South Florida after they already contributed $1 million in May for a massive solar panel research project that is providing energy for a USF parking garage including its elevators, lighting and electric car charging stations.
Duke is contributing to other local grant initiatives including $50,000 each to the Pasco and Polk Education Foundations and $25,000 to the Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay.
That group serves 12 counties, including the Tampa Bay area. Volunteers consist of business professionals, college students, parents and even retirees who all donate time to provide role models to youngsters as well as specially modeled educational curriculum.
The program exists nationwide in 123 countries and reaches nearly 10 million students.
