Duke Energy, USO of NC partner to build diverse workforce of the future, support transitioning service members and families

The USO of North Carolina has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to support service members and their families as they transition from military service and settle back into the civilian community. Grant funds will be used to connect qualified service members and spouses with energy and trade positions, as well as expert coaching through the USO of NC’s Pathfinder program and Operation Exit Strategy initiative.

The USO of NC considers Duke Energy a trusted partner and valuable contributing member of the military community. North Carolina has the fourth largest demographic of active duty military and reservists in the country, and support for our transitioning service members and their families is a critical component in demonstrating our commitment to our military community, providing them the necessary tools and resources they need to successfully transition and find employment following their military service.

The USO’s Pathfinder program offers best-in-class services to those exiting the military. Its one-of-a-kind approach includes world-wide access, personalized assistance, powerful and on-demand tools and community partnerships. The Pathfinder program also includes packaged career readiness tools to succeed in the private sector; skills like applying for positions, resume writing, and interviewing.

Due to the increase interest in the energy field, the USO of NC has added an energy-specific track to its Operation Exit Strategy offerings. Operation Exit Strategy workshops are offered to transitioning service members, Reserve, National Guard, and spouses that are specific to the unique needs and skill sets of the energy industry. Virtual workshops are offered monthly throughout the state virtually, or in key locations near or on military installations.

“By partnering with the USO of NC, we advance our goal of building a diverse workforce equipped to help the energy industry transform and innovate to meet customers’ needs,” said Stephen De May, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president. “Duke Energy wants to promote access to energy sector jobs for talented, skilled and experienced service members transitioning out of the military here in North Carolina.”

“Duke Energy Foundation’s investment in our Pathfinder program and Operations Exit Strategy allows the USO of NC to arm our service members and their spouses with the tools they need to succeed in the workforce, leading to improved employee retention,” said Kathy Bull, Vice President of Government Relations and Strategic Partnerships for the USO of NC. “Because of committed and trusted partners like Duke Energy, the USO of NC can continue to connect transitioning service members and their spouses to networking opportunities and corporate partners who are hiring.”

Media seeking additional information please contact:

• USO of North Carolina, Communications Director – Barry Morris at bmorris@uso-nc.org

• Duke Energy Corporate Communications – Grace Rountree at grace.rountree@duke-energy.com

About the Duke Energy Foundation:

The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation contributes more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts and is funded by Duke Energy shareholder dollars. More information about the Foundation and its Powerful Communities program can be found at duke-energy.com/foundation.

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of the largest energy holding companies in the U.S. It employs 30,000 people and has an electric generating capacity of 51,000 megawatts through its regulated utilities, and 3,000 megawatts through its nonregulated Duke Energy Renewables unit.

Duke Energy is transforming its customers’ experience, modernizing the energy grid, generating cleaner energy and expanding natural gas infrastructure to create a smarter energy future for the people and communities it serves. The Electric Utilities and Infrastructure unit’s regulated utilities serve approximately 7.7 million retail electric customers in six states – North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. The Gas Utilities and Infrastructure unit distributes natural gas to more than 1.6 million customers in five states – North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The Duke Energy Renewables unit operates wind and solar generation facilities across the U.S., as well as energy storage and microgrid projects.

Duke Energy was named to Fortune’s 2019 “World’s Most Admired Companies” list, and Forbes’ 2019 “America’s Best Employers” list. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos, videos and other materials. Duke Energy’s illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues.