With $2.4 million awarded in 2016, Duke Energy’s investment in N.C. Community Colleges has hit the $30 million mark, according to an announcement Thursday. 

The investment has involved grants to 49 community colleges that have equipped students with industry-specific training, the release said. Local investments have included $147,592 to Cape Fear Community College and $282,436 to Brunswick Community College, according to the release.

The grant initiative has developed programs such as robotics, welding and mechatronics, as well as other high-skilled areas that are in demand in North Carolina. 

In 2004, Duke Energy created its Community College Grant Program to partner with local industry by strengthening programs that address regional skills gaps, expand economic opportunities and improve workforce development, the release said.

“Duke Energy’s investment in our community colleges continues to have a tremendous impact on their ability to respond to talent demands from businesses, both locally and statewide,” said George Fouts, interim president of the N.C. Community College System, in Thursday's release. “The Duke program has supported equipment and programmatic needs and has resulted in more North Carolinians receiving the high-quality training necessary to successfully enter the workforce.”

David Fountain, Duke Energy's North Carolina president, said the state's community colleges are key to creating a skilled workforce and thriving business climate.

“Economic development is critical to our state’s future and, at Duke Energy, we’re committed to developing a workforce that attracts new employers, while expanding the capabilities of existing businesses,” Fountain said in the release.

A committee of representatives from Duke Energy, N.C. Community College System and N.C. Department of Commerce reviewed applications for more than 100 individual grants to community colleges in Duke Energy’s North Carolina service territory.