Duke Energy has awarded the Crosby Scholars Community Partnership $10,000 to support its SHE Project, which will assist African American and Latina girls in economically distressed areas who want to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).  This is the third year of Duke Energy’s support for The SHE Project.

The three main goals for SHE include: SHOW African-American and Latino girls that a STEM career is achievable; HELP the girls take steps to pursue a STEM career to increase the number of female African American and Latino Crosby Scholars who graduate from college with a STEM degree with minimal debt, so that they will be EMPLOYED in careers that provide a living wage.

“These more lucrative careers will empower women with more financial resources,” said Mona Lovett, President & CEO of Crosby Scholars. “We appreciate Duke Energy’s continued support of The SHE Project.”

Alayna Elliott, a 9^th-grader, said she had thought engineering was a career primarily for men before SHE participants visited Duke Energy’s Belews Lake Steam Plan.

“After the SHE program, it intrigued me, and I just fell in love with it, and I want to do it,” Alayna said. She has enjoyed the field trips and learning about forensic science. She said she would “encourage other young girls to continue into STEM and work hard to achieve their goals.”

The SHE Project offers workshops and field trips, role models and mentors as well as guidance in course selection that prepare the girls for a STEM college and career path.

“Our investments in students and STEM initiatives strengthen the pipeline of highly-skilled workers who will lead us to a smarter energy future in North Carolina,” said Jimmy Flythe, district manager for Duke Energy. “We are thrilled to partner with Crosby Scholars and its SHE Project for the third year to promote diversity in the workplace and inspire young women to pursue careers in STEM.”

Crosby Scholars

Crosby Scholars is a free college access program that prepares 6^th– to 12^th-grade Forsyth County students academically, personally, and financially for college admission and other post-secondary opportunities suited to a student’s needs, aptitudes, and dreams.  Visit www.crosbyscholars.org.

Duke Energy

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. Duke Energy was named to Fortune’s 2019 “World’s Most Admired Companies” list, and Forbes’ 2019 “America’s Best Employers” list. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

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