Robeson Community College Awarded $10,000 Duke Energy Foundation Grant
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 16, 2026
LUMBERTON, N.C. — Robeson Community College has received a $10,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to support the continued growth of its Electrical Lineman Training Program and help prepare the next generation of skilled utility workers.
Representatives from Duke Energy joined Robeson Community College officials for a check presentation recognizing the investment in workforce development and the future of the region’s energy workforce.
The $10,000 grant will be used to purchase three complete sets of climbing gear and safety equipment for students, including climbing belts, hooks, safety straps and related equipment used during pole-climbing, rescue training and other hands-on exercises.
RCC’s Electrical Lineman Training Program was originally designed to serve 18 students per class. In response to strong workforce demand, RCC has expanded the program to accommodate up to 25 students per class, creating a need for additional training equipment.
“This investment from the Duke Energy Foundation is about much more than purchasing equipment; it is an investment in our students and in the workforce that will power our communities for years to come,” said Melissa Singler, President of Robeson Community College. “As demand for skilled lineworkers continues to grow, partnerships like this allow RCC to expand opportunities while ensuring our students receive the high-quality, hands-on training they need to enter these critical careers safely and confidently.”
The Electrical Lineman Training Program prepares students for entry-level careers with electric utilities, electric cooperatives and utility contractors. Through classroom instruction and extensive hands-on field training, students develop technical knowledge, safety awareness, climbing skills and practical experience needed to work safely in the electric utility industry. The program also provides students with exposure to employers and career opportunities throughout the region.
The grant reflects the Duke Energy Foundation’s broader commitment to supporting communities across North Carolina. The investment aligns with workforce development efforts that help build a pipeline of workers for jobs vital to the energy economy.
“Robeson Community College is helping prepare the next generation of lineworkers through the kind of hands-on training that is essential to success in our industry,” said Emily Tucker, Duke Energy Foundation District Manager. “By helping provide the equipment that local students use every day to practice climbing, rescue and other critical skills, this grant will support a safer, stronger workforce and create pathways to rewarding careers that serve communities across North Carolina.”
The support from the Duke Energy Foundation will allow RCC to continue expanding its Electrical Lineman Training Program while providing students with the equipment and hands-on experience needed to succeed in the field. Through investments like this, Robeson Community College continues to strengthen workforce training, create pathways to high-demand careers and prepare skilled workers to meet the needs of employers throughout the region.
For more information about Robeson Community College’s Electrical Lineman Training Program visit www.robeson.edu.
For media inquiries, please contact Courtney Jacobs, Executive Director of Governance and Marketing, at 910-272-3231 or cjacobs@robeson.edu.
