Crowdsourcing Helps Teachers Make a Difference

May 4, 2017 1:05 PM ET

Duke Energy is partnering with DonorsChoose.org to help teachers in Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina and South Carolina fund projects that support literacy programs and foster a growing interest in science and technology fields.

The concept, helping teachers turn classroom projects into a reality, has been quite popular. Nationwide, teachers at 75 percent of public schools have used the concept – raising more than a half-billion dollars for education. Within Duke Energy’s service territories, thousands of projects have been completed with our help.

Here is how it works:
Teachers submit proposals for projects related to literacy or science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) on the DonorsChoose website. Once on the site, the public can read about each project and fund the ones they find interesting.

Up to a set limit that varies by state, Duke Energy will then match, dollar-for-dollar, all donations made toward eligible literacy and STEM projects at public schools in the company’s service area. Overall, Duke Energy will provide $475,000 in matching donations.

The end result is that local teachers have the tools they need to teach and inspire our next generation of leaders. And the combination of public and Duke Energy support make sure needed projects are funded.

Learn more in Duke Energy's 2016 Sustainability Report.