Duke Energy Foundation Awards $5,600 Scholarship to SFSC Lineworker Student

Scholarship presentation to student — Cisco Hernandez, Duke Energy journeyman with transmissions, presents a scholarship check in the amount of $5,600 to SFSC Electrical Lineworker student, Alejandro Hernandez, on behalf of the Duke Energy Foundation.

SFSC student, Alejandro S. Hernandez, has been awarded a $5,600 scholarship from the Duke Energy Foundation in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. The scholarship will cover Hernandez’s tuition, books, and supplies while he attends classes toward his Electrical Lineworker Career Certificate.

SFSC and Duke Energy leadership surprised Alejandro at the Hardee Campus to present and announce the scholarship on Monday, Oct. 2.

“For the scholarship, we chose a Hispanic student who was paying for classes out of pocket and was deserving,” said Chris Yeomans, SFSC electrical distribution professor. “We chose Alejandro because he showed up to class every day and is a particularly good student.”

The scholarship is part of a recent initiative by Duke Energy and its Foundation to provide more than $250,000 in support for organizations and programs committed to uplifting Hispanic students, businesses, and events in Florida.

Nancy Dodd, Duke Energy government and community relations manager, said, “At Duke Energy, it’s important for us to invest in organizations and institutions that are dedicated to providing high-quality learning and employment opportunities to students of all backgrounds. We are grateful to the College for its collaboration and shared commitment to helping develop a diverse workforce that will strengthen our Central Florida communities and economy. Alejandro is well deserving, and we are proud to support efforts to elevate his career and ensure he is prepared for a rewarding career.”

SFSC is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) with an approximately 40% Hispanic student population. The College offers a variety of pathway options that provide students the education and training they need for high-paying positions within the region. SFSC’s Electrical Lineworker Program is one of those options. The program prepares students to work as electric line technicians in the construction, maintenance, and repair of electric utility overhaul and underground systems.

Through 1,500 contact hours (approximately 18 months) of training at the College’s Hardee Campus, Electrical Lineworker students gain an understanding of electrical systems, operations, and safety while mastering competencies in electrical distribution, basic electrical theory, and underground electrical construction operations. They learn how to maintain electric power systems and use electrical distribution equipment. The program provides practice in climbing, framing, building single and three-phase overhead lines, pole top and bucket rescue techniques, operating bucket trucks, and maintaining and repairing underground systems. Students who successfully complete the program earn a Career Certificate.

For more information about SFSC’s Electrical Lineworker Program, contact Yeomans by emailing yeomansC@southflorida.edu or calling ext. 7045.