March 21, 2025

Forsyth Technical Community College has received a $25,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to support the modernization of its welding lab, a shared space with Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina. The grant will be matched by a $25,000 contribution from Goodwill, along with an additional $5,000 from the Forsyth Tech Foundation to fund a critical piece of equipment.

These funds will allow Forsyth Tech to replace all welding equipment in the lab, ensuring students have access to state-of-the-art technology as they prepare for careers in the skilled trades. Additionally, the investment will support the purchase of a much-needed band saw, further enhancing the lab’s capabilities.

“Partnerships have the power to transform education and open doors to new opportunities, and we are incredibly grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation and Goodwill of NWNC for their generous support,” said Dr. Janet N. Spriggs, President of Forsyth Tech. “Their investment will help provide welding students with the hands-on skills and training they need to build successful careers in high-demand fields.”

The welding lab, located at the Goodwill Workforce Development Center, serves as a vital training space for students pursuing careers in welding and metal fabrication,”. Through Forsyth Tech’s partnership with Goodwill, students gain hands-on experience in a collaborative learning environment designed to meet the needs of local employers.

“Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina, Inc. is grateful for our long-standing partnership with Forsyth Technical Community College,” said Sherry Carpenter, Chief Organizational Development and Mission Advancement Officer for Goodwill Industries of Northwest NC. “We are also very thankful for the funding from the Duke Energy Foundation which will support our continued collaborative work to provide skills and credentials that support individual career development and meet employer needs. We are committed to providing equitable access and upward mobility to students and communities.”

This investment aligns with Forsyth Tech’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality workforce training and strengthening partnerships that support economic growth in the region. The upgraded welding lab will benefit both Forsyth Tech and Goodwill students by offering training on modern industry-standard equipment, better preparing them for success in the workforce.