The Alamance Community College Foundation has received a $6,500 grant from Piedmont Natural Gas through the Duke Energy Foundation to support the college’s Helping Industry Recruit and Educate (HIRE) initiative.

 

HIRE is a workforce pipeline program designed to bridge the employability gap for marginalized individuals eager to kickstart their careers. It provides a means for these individuals to explore various industry sectors, including those that focus on energy-related careers. HIRE is sponsored by the Workforce and Economic Development division at Alamance Community College (ACC).

 

ACC will utilize the Piedmont Natural Gas grant as a funding source for several key elements of the HIRE program, including tuition to cover the cost of classes and credentials, along with books to equip participants with industry-relevant skills. The funding will also support career exploration assessments, such as the Strong Interest Inventory, to help participants identify career paths aligned with their strengths and interests.

 

“Building and growing the communities we serve is a top priority for Piedmont Natural Gas, and that starts with developing and training our local workforce,” said Melissa Huffman, Government and Community Relations Manager for Piedmont. “We look forward to seeing Alamance Community College’s HIRE program, with the aid of this grant, continue to help marginalized learners get the assistance necessary to further their educations and, in turn, support the local economy.”

 

“We at the ACC Foundation appreciate Piedmont’s willingness to support adult learners seeking to reenter the workforce. The grant from Piedmont Natural Gas, along with funding from several others, will allow Alamance Community College to pick up the pace on the HIRE program,” said Carolyn Rhode, Executive Director of the ACC Foundation.