03/28/2024
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DUBLIN – Bladen Community College has been awarded a $9,750 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation to develop a state-of-the-art writing center for students. The funding will support a campus initiative to encourage students to improve their academic writing skills, enlarge their verbal and written communication abilities and inspire creative writers.

Dr. Joyce Bahhouth, BCC Dean of Arts and Sciences and Developmental Studies is the visionary behind the concept. “Writing skills are imperative to a successful future. Our English department places great emphasis on giving every student the tools they need to write well,” she commented. “But to create an inviting area, with state-of-the-art equipment and highly-skilled tutors, requires an investment of funds and human resources. The Duke Energy grant will enable us to move forward with this dream of a leading-edge facility.”

“At Duke Energy, we believe quality education is essential for communities to thrive. That’s why we’ve invested in effective education programs for more than a century,” said April England, Duke Energy Carolinas public relations assistant. “We’re proud to support the new writing center at Bladen Community College, which will give students access to some of the best teaching and capabilities available.”    

BCC president, Dr. William Findt, remarked, “Bladen Community College is honored to receive this award in the year in which the college is celebrating 50 years of service to the county. This award from Duke Energy will address the skills of writing and communicating well, the most basic components of success.”

With tutors on-site, the Writing Center will provide face-to-face coaching and teaching. Students may also interact with the Writing Center through online appointments that include document sharing and chatting capabilities. With e-tutoring, students can upload a document, and within 24-hours, receive feedback from the tutoring staff.

Tutor Allana Carroll remarked, “This is a wonderful opportunity for students who need guidance with writing. When I was younger, I struggled at writing. A mentor helped me to make sense of writing. Now, I want to help others.”

“We have plans for the Center to grow,” said Bahhouth. “In the future, we will host workshops and special events. It is an exciting new beginning.”

For more information about Bladen Community College, call 910-879-5500. For information about the Duke Energy Foundation, contact Candice Knezevic (980.373-6408).

The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to address the needs of the communities where its customers live and work. The foundation provides more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts. The foundation’s education focus spans kindergarten to career, particularly science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), early childhood literacy and workforce development. It also supports the environment and community impact initiatives, including arts and culture.

Duke Energy employees and retirees actively contribute to their communities as volunteers and leaders at a wide variety of nonprofit organizations. Duke Energy is committed to building on its legacy of community service. For more information, visit http://www.duke-energy.com/foundation.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is an S&P 100 Stock Index company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at http://duke-energy.com

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