May 26, 2009
For Immediate Release

RCCC Receives Grant from Duke Energy
College will use grant to enhance Machining Technology program

              SALISBURY, N.C. — Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC) will receive a grant of $237,672 from Duke Energy to provide upgraded, high-tech equipment for RCCC's Machining Technology program. The new equipment will allow RCCC to expand the program and offer a two-year, associate-degree option.

               RCCC will use the Duke Energy Community College Program Grant to provide students advanced training using computer numerical control (CNC) and computer-aided drafting/computer-assisted manufacturing (CAD/CAM) equipment. The grant also will help RCCC create a cutting edge CNC simulation lab.

               "Using CNC equipment to produce parts and objects designed by CAD and CAM is the future of machining," explained Jerry Hunt, RCCC's machining technology program head. "Without the Duke Energy grant, we would not be able to offer an associate-degree option, in which the second year requires intensive use of CNC and CAD/CAM equipment.

               "The grant actually will benefit our first- and second-year students. By having more equipment in our machine shop, students will have less overall wait time to use any particular piece of equipment, giving them more hands-on experience. We certainly appreciate this grant and Duke Energy's generous support," Hunt said.

               Currently, RCCC offers diploma and certificate programs in machining. The programs are designed to help students develop skills in the theory and safe use of hand tools, power machinery, computerized equipment, and sophisticated precision inspection instruments.

               Students learn to interpret blueprints, set up manual and CNC machines, perform basic and advanced machining operations, and make decisions to ensure work quality is maintained.

               Employment opportunities for machining technicians exist in manufacturing industries, public institutions, governmental agencies, motorsports, and a wide range of specialty machining job shops.

               "We believe the North Carolina community College System is an essential partner in addressing the critical workforce needs in our region," said Randy Welch, customer relations manager of Duke Energy Carolinas. "We're proud the Community College Grant Program has brought dramatic benefits to employers, better paying jobs for workers, and enhanced economic development across our region."

               In 2008, RCCC received a $250,000 grant from Duke Energy to help equip RCCC's cutting-edge biotechnology facility planned for the North Carolina Research Campus (NCRC).

               RCCC will use that Duke Energy grant to purchase equipment for an aseptic bioprocessing suite (laboratory and prep rooms) in its future NCRC building. The aseptic bioprocessing suite (ABS) will allow RCCC to replicate the sophisticated biomanufacturing environments found in high-tech biotechnology industries that produce products ranging from pharmaceuticals to biomedical devices.

               A groundbreaking ceremony for RCCC's building at the NCRC will be held May 29 at 10 a.m., in Kannapolis.

              Duke Energy, headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of the largest electric power companies in the United States. The company delivers energy to approximately 4 million U.S. customers. Duke Energy has approximately 35,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity in the Midwest and the Carolinas, and natural gas distribution services in Ohio and Kentucky. The Duke Energy Foundation improves the quality of life in communities through volunteerism, leadership and financial support through grants to charitable organizations.

               RCCC is a comprehensive, community-based institution of higher learning, serving the citizens of Rowan and Cabarrus counties in North Carolina. RCCC is one of 58 colleges in the state-supported North Carolina Community College System.

                RCCC offers fully-accredited associate-degree programs in more than 40 areas of study, including arts and sciences, business, information technology, health and public services, and engineering technologies. RCCC also offers accredited diploma and certificate programs focused on career training, continuing education and basic skills education. RCCC provides a strong foundation and transferable credits for students moving on to four-year colleges and universities and helps adults get the additional training they need to start new careers.

               RCCC annually provides more than 2,000 course offerings, serving an overall enrollment of approximately 20,000 students. In addition, RCCC provides the education and job-training programs needed to meet many of the workforce demands of the North Carolina Research Campus being developed in Kannapolis. For complete details, see the RCCC website at www.rowancabarrus.edu.