DAYTON, Ky.- The Duke Energy Foundation presented a $40,000 check to the Foundation for Ohio River Education (FORE) to support its Research, Education, and Adventure Charters (River REACH) program. The presentation was made aboard the Queen City Riverboats “Princess” and attended by students from Conner High School.
The River REACH program connects students to the Ohio River through hands-on voyages of discovery aboard a Queen City Riverboat. While onboard, students test water quality using the same methods as environmental scientists who monitor and protect the Ohio River. They also study fish and aquatic organisms that are used to determine the health of the water and the surrounding habitat. The River REACH program allows students to see firsthand how their lives are connected to the river as they pass barges and water treatment facilities, while observing wildlife in and around the water.
“Duke Energy Foundation has been a long-time supporter of our education programs, and we are thrilled that they have kicked off our 2016 season with their most generous donation yet,” said Heather Mayfield, FORE’s Director. “With their help, we will reach over 1,600 students in the Greater Cincinnati area, including many children from underserved schools.”
“Providing schools with stronger curriculum and hands-on teaching projects excite students and helps prepare them to enter math and engineering career fields,” said Jim Henning, state president, Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky." “Duke Energy is proud to support groups like the FORE organization, which are critical to the long-term success and vitality of our region.”
The River REACH program includes a pre-voyage curriculum that was awarded “Outstanding Project” by the Ohio EPA and includes professional development training for high school teachers. The River REACH program is changing how students learn and how teachers teach by getting students on the water and providing professional development for teachers to implement a comprehensive curriculum in their classroom that is grounded in science, technology, and mathematics.
FORE is now accepting applications for its Fall 2016 River REACH programs. Information is available at http://fore.orsanco.org.
The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to address the needs vital to the health of its communities. Annually, the Foundation funds more than $25 million in charitable grants, with a focus on education, environment, economic and workforce development, and community impact. Duke Energy has long been committed to supporting the communities where its customers and employees live and work, and will continue to build on this legacy. For more information, visit www.duke-energy.com/foundation.
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a 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 duke-energy.com.
Media Contacts:
Sally Thelen, Duke Energy
@de_sallyt
Heather Mayfield, Director, FORE
Office: 513.231.7719, ex. 115