McDowell Technical Community College is among 19 North Carolina community colleges recently selected to receive funding from the Duke Energy Foundation as part of a $500,000 statewide workforce development initiative.
The college was awarded $25,000 to support its innovative HVAC training program focused on A2L refrigerant technology—an environmentally friendly alternative that represents the future of the heating and cooling industry.
Robin P. Nicholson, Duke Energy District Manager for Government and Community Relations, made the official grant award presentation to McDowell Tech officials at the Universal Advanced Manufacturing Center.
McDowell Tech’s program, titled “Refrigerants of Tomorrow: Preparing Students for the Future of HVAC with A2L Technology,” will use the funding to equip students with the tools, training, and certifications necessary to safely and effectively work with A2L refrigerants. These low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants align with new environmental regulations and contribute to Duke Energy’s broader goals of reducing emissions and building a smarter energy future.
Dr. J.W. Kelley, President of McDowell Tech, praised the grant’s impact, stating, “This investment from the Duke Energy Foundation empowers us to stay ahead of industry trends and give our students a true competitive edge in the job market. By training students to work with A2L refrigerants, we’re preparing them for high-demand careers while contributing to environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.”
The $25,000 grant will be allocated across four key areas:
- Tooling and Equipment Upgrades ($12,000)
- Training and Curriculum Development ($4,000)
- Marketing and Outreach ($2,000)
- Partnership Development and Work-Based Learning ($2,000)
These funds will enable the college to purchase specialized equipment, develop updated instructional materials, and expand partnerships with local HVAC businesses to provide hands-on internships and apprenticeships for students. The program also positions McDowell Tech as a critical regional resource for HVAC employers transitioning to sustainable technologies.
“This grant doesn’t just benefit McDowell Tech—it supports the entire region by closing the skills gap in a rapidly evolving industry,” said Dr. Brandon Hensley, Dean of Career and Technical Education at McDowell Tech. “It strengthens our connections with local businesses, ensures our graduates are workforce-ready, and helps reduce the environmental impact of HVAC systems.”
As part of the broader Duke Energy Foundation initiative, this funding aligns with the company’s five-year commitment of more than $6.6 million toward workforce development in North Carolina.
The initiative supports job training that addresses the growing demand for skilled workers in the energy sector, particularly as Duke Energy modernizes its infrastructure and works toward a net-zero carbon future.
“As our state and industry continue to grow, North Carolina’s community colleges are helping us meet the moment,” said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina President. “We want talent here in the state to help us support our communities and build a smarter energy future for customers.”
In addition to supporting HVAC students at McDowell Tech, the initiative includes investments in electric line technician training programs and student support services like the Forward Fund, which provides zero-interest loans to cover essential expenses for learners enrolled in short-term, high-wage career training programs.
With this grant, McDowell Tech continues to demonstrate its leadership in technical education and commitment to both student success and sustainability. As Dr. Kelley noted, “This partnership with Duke Energy strengthens our mission to provide innovative, high-quality training that meets both the needs of our students and the demands of a rapidly changing world.”
For more information about McDowell Tech’s HVAC program and other career training opportunities, visit www.mcdowelltech.edu.
Duke Energy Foundation
Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.
Duke Energy
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.
Duke Energy is executing an ambitious clean energy transition, keeping reliability, affordability and accessibility at the forefront as the company works toward net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including expanded energy storage, renewables, natural gas and nuclear.
More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.
