Duke Energy in Raleigh has announced grants totaling $3 million to more than fifty schools and education groups in North Carolina.

Awarded through the Duke Energy Foundation, the grants will be used to enhance K-12 programs and initiatives aimed at boosting childhood reading proficiency as well as STEM education. They include a total of $865,000 in support of childhood literacy programs focused on closing the achievement gap and ending the cycle of poverty that often separates low-income students form their peers, and $2.17 million for STEM initiatives that provide engaging, real-world experiences aimed at preparing students for careers in math and engineering.

"It is essential that our children are well-equipped with the basic skills needed to thrive in the classroom and in life," said David Fountain, Duke Energy's incoming North Carolina president. "We're proud to support these organizations and their efforts to give our students the best chance for success — from kindergarten through high school."