Duke Energy to match $200,000 for STEM projects in Ohio and Kentucky classrooms

CINCINNATI, Sept. 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy is issuing a challenge: Donate toward a classroom learning project in Greater Cincinnati, and Duke Energy will match it – dollar-for-dollar.

The Classroom Crowdfunding Challenge is a partnership between the Duke Energy Foundation and DonorsChoose.org to help local public school teachers bring engaging science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) projects into their classrooms.

Here's how it works:

• Public school teachers can submit STEM project proposals (up to $2,000 per project) on DonorsChoose.org.
• Anyone can visit DonorsChoose.org, browse eligible projects and make a donation.
• Duke Energy will match donations, dollar-for-dollar, up to $200,000.
• Once a project is fully-funded, DonorsChoose.org buys the project materials and ships them directly to the teacher's school.

"Teachers are at the core of our communities, and some of the biggest influences in the lives of our children," said Jim Henning, president of Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky. "We're challenging our community to join this crowdfunding campaign, and help teachers bring innovative STEM projects to life for their students."

Duke Energy's $200,000 commitment, along with crowdsourced funds, will bring $400,000 worth of STEM education projects to public schools in Greater Cincinnati.

"We're deeply grateful for Duke Energy's support of Ohio and Kentucky STEM projects," said Charles Best, founder of DonorsChoose.org. "So many local teachers will now have tools they need to teach and inspire our next generation of scientists and engineers."

Teachers can visit DonorsChoose.org/teachers to submit a project. Qualifying projects already posted to the site will automatically be eligible for Duke Energy's matching funds.

Parents and other members of the community can contribute to these projects by going to DonorsChoose.org and searching for projects by either school name or selecting the "Math and Science" project category.

About the Duke Energy Foundation The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to address the needs of the communities where its customers live and work. In 2015, the foundation provided more than $30 million in charitable gifts. The foundation's education focus spans kindergarten to career, particularly science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), early childhood literacy and workforce development. It also supports the environment and community impact initiatives, including arts and culture.

Duke Energy employees and retirees actively contribute to their communities as volunteers and leaders at a wide variety of nonprofit organizations. Duke Energy is committed to building on its legacy of community service. For more information, visit duke-energy.com/foundation.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is an S&P 100 Stock Index company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com. 

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Media contact: Lee Freedman, 513.287.4152 24-hour: 704.382.1603 @DE_LeeF

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SOURCE Duke Energy