ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Duke Energy Foundation is awarding $100,000 to three nonprofit organizations expanding leadership development, career readiness and entrepreneurship opportunities in Central Florida and the Tampa Bay area.

Our view:

"When people are empowered to learn, grow and pursue their goals, it opens doors for them and many others," said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. "We're proud to help create pathways to success and give all Floridians the opportunity to reach their full potential while also strengthening the communities we serve and call home."

High-impact investments:

• The Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County will leverage a $25,000 grant to support year-round programming that expands leadership development, career readiness and community engagement opportunities throughout Orange County. Funding will help advance initiatives that recognize youth achievement, celebrate arts and culture and equip community leaders with tools to better serve their communities, including during emergencies and severe weather events.
  
• A $25,000 grant will allow the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando to expand its Next Gen Workforce Leadership Academy, a program that helps Central Florida college students build the skills, professional networks and confidence needed for career success. Through mentorship, leadership development, financial literacy and hands-on exposure to employers and community organizations, participants gain valuable real-world experience as they prepare to enter the workforce.
  
• With a $50,000 grant, Prospera Initiatives will provide small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs with access to educational programs, technical assistance and financial tools that support long-term success. The funding will help these individuals overcome barriers to business growth, strengthen local economies and create new pathways to economic mobility across Florida, with a focus on the Greater Orlando and Tampa Bay areas.

Positive response:

• "When organizations, families, community leaders and champions like the Duke Energy Foundation unite behind our young people, we create greater opportunities, inspire brighter futures and build a stronger community for generations to come," said Yetzenia I. Negron, Hispanic Heritage Network of Orange County president. "We are deeply grateful for Duke Energy's continued belief in our mission and their unwavering investment in the next generation."
  
• "The Duke Energy Foundation's investment empowers us to expand opportunities, strengthen connections between education and career pathways and prepare the next generation of leaders to make a lasting impact," said Carolin Requiz Smith, Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund of Metro Orlando executive director. "It is truly an honor to partner with Duke Energy, and we are proud to share in their commitment to building stronger communities and a more skilled, empowered and prepared workforce."
  
• "The Duke Energy Foundation's generous investment helps entrepreneurs access the guidance and resources they need to strengthen their businesses and create greater economic opportunities for their families and employees," said Augusto Sanabria, Prospera Initiatives president and CEO. "Together, Duke Energy and Prospera are helping individuals leverage entrepreneurship as a pathway to greater economic mobility and financial independence, contributing to the prosperity of our communities."

Duke Energy Foundation
The 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 Florida
Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,500 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.

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 8.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,700 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an energy modernization strategy, keeping customer value at the forefront as it invests in electric grid upgrades and efficient generation resources to strengthen the system and serve growing energy needs.

More information is available at duke-energy.com. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook for stories about the people and innovations powering its communities.

Contact: Aly Raschid
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
X: @DE_AlyRaschid

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SOURCE Duke Energy