Duke Energy Foundation Awards Scholarship to Lineworker Students During Hispanic Heritage Month

SFSC students, Adam Gonzalez and Elliott Vazquez Palacios, received scholarships from the Duke Energy Foundation in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. The scholarship will cover their tuition, books, and supplies while attending classes toward their Electrical Lineworker Career Certificates through SFSC.

SFSC and Duke Energy leadership surprised the students at the Hardee Campus to present and announce the scholarship on Tuesday, Dec. 3 after postponing the event due to Hurricane Milton. Gonzalez and Palacios were each awarded $5,600 that will cover their educational expenses over spring, summer, and fall terms in 2025.

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

“The reason we come to work each day at SFSC is to find new ways and opportunities for our students to succeed in higher education,” said Jamie Bateman, vice president for institutional advancement and external affairs. “It may be through a certification, a degree, or a few credits to help them jump-start their career. Also, when you find a friend and community partner that is committed to your same goals, you celebrate that relationship. We are fortunate to have that friendship with Duke Energy. Duke Energy continues to assist our Lineworker students in meaningful ways. Calling Duke Energy’s scholarships ‘life-changing’ doesn’t come close to what has happened for Adam and Elliott. Thank you to our friends at Duke Energy. You continue to support our students in powerful ways.”

SFSC is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) with an approximately 45% Hispanic student population. The College offers a variety of pathway options that provide students with 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 Chris Yeomans by emailing yeomansC@southflorida.edu or calling ext. 7045.