Duke Energy grants fill school supply needs

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The Duke Energy Foundation is providing nearly $200,000 in small grants to schools across South Carolina to help teachers fill any gaps in supplies for returning students as the school year begins.

The effort focuses on schools where 75% or more students qualify for free and reduced lunches in the company’s South Carolina service territory. In all, 43 districts including 275 schools are eligible to file for the grants, according to a news release.

“Bright futures begin in the classroom, and every child deserves a fair chance at academic success,” Kodwo Ghartey-Tagoe, South Carolina state president for Duke Energy, said in the release. “Unfortunately, we know many students heading back to school this week will not have all of the necessary supplies they will need in their studies. Our hope is these funds will help set these classrooms and students up for a successful school year.”

Each qualifying school (.pdf) is eligible for up to $700 in grant funds to purchase basic school supplies for students in need. The individual school districts will apply for the funding for that district’s qualifying schools and will distribute the funds once awarded, the release said.

Qualifying school districts that want to learn more about how to apply for the grants should send a request for information to [email protected].