Duke Energy Foundation gives $50K for teacher grants in NC

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy Foundation today announced a $50,000 matching gift to DonorsChoose.org to assist teachers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

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According to program guidelines, teachers can submit STEM project proposals to DonorsChoose.org, where anyone can choose to help provide funding for it. When 50 percent of a project's request is funded through citizen donations, Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) will contribute the remaining 50 percent for teachers in the company's North Carolina service areas.

"Thanks to Duke Energy Foundation, thousands of students across the state will receive essential STEM educational materials to help improve their learning experience," said Dan Blum, senior partnership manager, DonorsChoose.org.

"Getting STEM materials directly into the hands of students is one of the best ways to begin a life-long interest in STEM industries," said Paul Newton, Duke Energy's state president – North Carolina. "Our educators do incredible work every day, and we're glad to make this contribution to their efforts."

Teachers should visit www.DonorsChoose.org to submit a project.

About Duke Energy Foundation
The Duke Energy Foundation, along with employee and retiree volunteers, actively works to improve the quality of life in its communities, lending expertise in the form of leadership and financial support through grants to charitable organizations.Duke Energy has long been committed to building and supporting the communities in which its customers and employees live and work.

In North Carolina, Duke Energy Foundation invests $16 million annually for community support and charitable contributions. In 2013, the foundation is making an additional one-time commitment of $20 million to support low-income energy assistance and workforce development in North Carolina.

To learn more about Duke Energy Foundation, visit www.duke-energy.com/community.

About DonorsChoose.org
Founded in 2000, DonorsChoose.org is an online charity that makes it easy for anyone to help students in need. Public school teachers from every corner of America post requests, and individuals can give directly to the ones that inspire them. To date, 152,000 public and charter school teachers have used DonorsChoose.org to secure $187 million in books, art supplies, technology, and other resources that their students need to learn.

Duke Energy Contact: Amy Strecker
Office: 919.546.2660 | 24-Hour: 800.559.3853

SOURCE Duke Energy