Bristol Myers Squibb Company

Saint-Gobain Corporation

DICK&#039;S Sporting Goods

Bristol Myers Squibb Promotes Health Equity with 100 Percent of Marketed Products Now Supported by Access Plans

Saint-Gobain Installs Smart Water Submetering System and Upgrades Equipment at Its Jackson, Michigan Siding Facility, Saving More Than 10 Million Gallons of Water per Year

Living the Summer of Sport at DICK'S Sporting Goods

DICK'S Sporting Goods

<img alt="A woman is seated in a wheelchair with three coworkers." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5f07c5e7-b9f8-458b-8dcc-4ecf4613b563" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/DisabilityIN-office_U.S.%20Bank_7.18.24A.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="675" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://www.usbank.com/about-us-bank/company-blog/article-library/us-bank-once-again-earns-top-score-for-disability-inclusion.html" target="_blank">Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog</a>

For the seventh consecutive year, U.S. Bank earned a score of 100 on the <a class="external-linked" href="https://disabilityin.org/what-we-do/disability-equality-index/" target="_blank">Disability Equality Index®</a> and is an American Association of People with Disabilities and Disability:IN “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion.”
<img alt="Disability Equality Index 2024: Best place to work for disability inclusion." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5a054d35-0894-44d0-a808-89a0bd2df88d" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/DisabilityIN_U.S.%20Bank_7.18.24B.jpg" width="240" class="align-center" height="400" loading="lazy" />The Disability Equality Index is the world’s most comprehensive benchmarking tool for the Fortune 1000 and Am Law 2001 to measure disability workplace inclusion against competitors, measuring:

<ul><li>Culture and leadership</li>
	<li>Enterprise-wide access</li>
	<li>Employment practices (benefits, recruitment, employment, education, retention and advancement, accommodations)</li>
	<li>Community engagement</li>
	<li>Supplier diversity</li>
	<li>Non-U.S. operations (non-weighted)</li>
</ul>Enhancing access and inclusion for employees and clients

U.S. Bank is committed to ensuring employees with disabilities have an equal opportunity to independently and easily access technology. Examples of that approach include the bank’s adaptive technology hardware catalog that makes it easier for employees and managers to locate and order various adaptive computer accessories, the ability for employees to request and connect with American Sign Language (ASL) and caption services to provide live, human-generated caption services and designing and development products and services to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards.

Additionally, U.S. Bank recently enhanced online and mobile banking by adding a statement preference feature. Clients can now select from applicable accounts to indicate whether they want large print (large font) statements. This feature will benefit many clients, but especially those who may have aged into vision loss. Today, this feature is available for checking, savings and money market accounts, with plans to expand into others in the future.

U.S. Bank Once Again Earns Top Score for Disability Inclusion

<img alt="field with honey bees" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6168a2dc-5ce7-4ce0-8dd5-54223f84f6c1" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/workingwithbees_WholeFoods_072324.jpeg" width="640" class="align-center" height="800" loading="lazy" />June is National Pollinator Month, and the perfect time to spotlight the significant impact of pollinators, especially honey bees, on our environment, health and livelihoods. One in three bites of food is made possible by pollinators, which makes honey bees, birds, bats, moths, butterflies and other insects crucially important to the future of healthy and diverse food systems, as well as vibrant ecosystems. Their potential extends even further offering significant income-generating opportunities around the world too.
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="people working with honey bees" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e34c997d-40a3-4036-896e-17c7811570b1" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/bees_WholeFoods_072324.jpg" width="640" height="700" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Whole Kids Grant Recipient | Mother Teresa Early Childhood Education Center | Alberta, Canada</figcaption></figure>Whole Foods Market Foundation’s three projects — Whole Kids, Whole Cities and Whole Planet — are honored to support local and global partners with ongoing investments in pollinator health, conservation, education and honey production as a source of additional income for smallholder farmers. Here is a snapshot of what’s happening in three different countries.
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32680b82-7fa2-4be1-b6bf-76410080bfff" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Tanzania_WholeFoods_072324.jpg" width="640" height="700" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Whole Planet Partner | Swahili Honey | Tanzania</figcaption></figure>Whole Kids

Whole Kids understands that children are crucial to the future of pollinators. In partnership with The Bee Cause Project, our <a href="https://www.wholekidsfoundation.org/programs/honey-bee-hive-grant/" target="_blank">Bee Grant</a> program allows for schools and non-profit organizations to receive support for educational beehives, so students can observe bees up close, learn about their vital role, and help protect them. Whole Kids and The Bee Cause Project have awarded 960 Bee Grants since 2014.

Mother Teresa Early Childhood Education Center in Lloydminster, Alberta, Canada is a three-time grantee that created <a href="https://www.wholekidsfoundation.org/stories/mother-teresa-early-childhood-education-center/" target="_blank">Bee Inquiries</a>, a six-session program to help enhance students’ understanding of honey bees and their role in the food system. Programming covers bee terminology, types of bees and their behaviors, different parts of the hive, pollination and more. When the school was awarded its first Bee Grant in 2019, it used the funds to purchase an extractor and boost its curriculum and learning centers. It later received Renewal Grants in 2021 and 2023 to continue advancing educational programming.
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="44851fc7-9b35-4547-9a0d-33a58e4d3617" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/tree_WholeFoods_072324.jpg" width="640" height="700" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Whole Planet Partner | Upendo Honey | Tanzania</figcaption></figure>Whole Planet

Around the globe, honey production is propelling the livelihoods of beekeeping families and also helping smallholder farmers supplement their farming incomes and build more diverse, tenable farms. Whole Planet recently awarded no-interest loans to amplify the efforts of two honey production companies in Western Tanzania working to create opportunities and prosperity for beekeepers and small-scale farmers in rural communities.

<a href="https://swahilihoney.co.tz/" target="_blank">Swahili Honey</a> aggregates and sells high quality honey and beeswax produced by traditional beekeepers and smallholder farmers. It provides its partners with access to free beekeeping training, advanced beekeeping equipment loans, extension services and a guaranteed market for the honey they produce. The $300,000 no-interest loan from Whole Planet will be used to help scale Swahili Honey’s beehive loans to an estimated 898 local beekeepers in Southern Highlands regions in Tanzania.

“At Swahili Honey, we believe that empowering local beekeepers is crucial for the future of sustainable beekeeping. With support from partners like Whole Planet, we can expand our reach and provide essential resources and opportunities to our local beekeepers in Tanzania. Together, we are creating a sweeter future.” - Joseph Kadendula, CEO, Swahili Honey

<a href="https://upendoagri.com/" target="_blank">Upendo Honey</a> is an organic honey producer that works with traditional, small-scale beekeepers in remote forests and game reserves in Western Tanzania to bring high quality organic honey to customers around the world. It provides training, technical support and aggregating honey harvest at a guaranteed, above-market price. With the $234,000 no-interest loan from Whole Planet, Upendo Honey is aiming to scale their pre-harvest financing program to an estimated 5,800 small-scale beekeepers.

“The support of Whole Planet is instrumental in our efforts to help traditional beekeepers earn more money and grow their businesses. By helping people gain good jobs and a good income from native forests in Tanzania, we can slow deforestation and protect valuable biodiversity.” - Upendo Honey Team
<figure role="group" class="align-center"><img alt="&quot; &quot;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ccb43d64-3cfb-4224-bd5b-8a1da97ea1f6" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Dallas_WholeFoods_072324.jpg" width="640" height="700" loading="lazy" /><figcaption>Whole Cities Partner | Bonton Farms | Dallas, TX</figcaption></figure>Whole Cities

As Whole Cities’ community partners grow strong and equitable food systems, several address pollinators for a good reason — more than 100 crops grown in the U.S. rely on them.

Here are a few examples of how Whole Cities’ partners around the U.S. are supporting pollinator health, conservation and education:

<ul><li><a href="https://www.wholecitiesfoundation.org/community-partner/bonton-farms/" target="_blank">Bonton Farms</a> (Dallas, TX) — Bee hives</li>
	<li><a href="https://www.wholecitiesfoundation.org/community-partner/medway-community-farm-inc/" target="_blank">Medway Community Farm</a> (Medway, MA) —Pollinator education opportunities for elementary students</li>
	<li><a href="https://www.wholecitiesfoundation.org/community-partner/ohio-ecological-food-and-farm-association/" target="_blank">Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association</a> (Columbus, OH) — Beekeeping workshops</li>
	<li><a href="https://www.wholecitiesfoundation.org/community-partner/queens-county-farm-museum/" target="_blank">Queens County Farm</a> (Queens, NY) — Bee hives</li>
	<li><a href="https://www.wholecitiesfoundation.org/community-partner/schenectady-community-ministries/" target="_blank">Schenectady Inner City Ministry</a> (Schenectady, NY) — Native pollinator plants and bee hives</li>
	<li><a href="https://www.wholecitiesfoundation.org/community-partner/twin-sisters-mobile-market/" target="_blank">Twin Sisters Mobile Market</a> (Bellingham, WA) — Local honey sales</li>
	<li><a href="https://www.wholecitiesfoundation.org/community-partner/university-place-community-garden/" target="_blank">University Place Community Garden</a> (University Place, WA) — Pollinator garden</li>
</ul>As pollinators continue to face threats including habitat loss, disease, pollution and climate change, we hope community-driven approaches to pollinator conservation, education and profitable businesses like the programs created by our partners can help raise awareness, inspire environmental stewardship and spark change.

The Power of Pollinators

<img alt="A person stood on top of a pile of shells" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1444c39d-16d4-40cb-894d-912a1b19cd3a" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/1-coastal-volunteering_Atlantic-City-Electric_062824.jpeg" width="640" class="align-center" height="1705" loading="lazy" />Our Eco Team recently participated in a volunteer event with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/reclam-the-bay/" target="_blank">ReClam the Bay</a> to safeguard our coastal waters. During the event, our volunteers cleaned and bagged shells, which will be used in upwells to create habitats for oysters and clams. This contributes to enhancing water quality and securing shorelines in Barnegat Bay.
<img alt="People helping to clean up the coast" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f2aab7cb-7cc2-43d5-8133-18a259907c0f" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/2-coastal-volunteering_Atlantic-City-Electric_062824.jpeg" width="640" class="align-center" height="1705" loading="lazy" />Atlantic City Electric is a unit of Exelon (Nasdaq: EXC), a Fortune 250 company and the nation’s largest utility company, serving more than 10 million customers. Atlantic City Electric provides safe and reliable energy service to approximately 572,000 customers in southern New Jersey.
<img alt="A child and adult helping to clean up the coast" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b9e15e79-937c-4e30-a593-77045e5706eb" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/3-coastal-volunteering_Atlantic-City-Electric_062824.jpeg" width="640" class="align-center" height="1705" loading="lazy" /><img alt="A large group photo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0e877edd-b1b0-4d63-97f3-9adb75a3a22c" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/4-coastal-volunteering_Atlantic-City-Electric_062824.jpeg" width="640" class="align-center" height="960" loading="lazy" />To learn more about Atlantic City Electric, visit <a href="http://thesource.atlanticcityelectric.com/" target="_blank">The Source</a>, Atlantic City Electric’s online newsroom. Find additional information by visiting <a href="http://atlanticcityelectric.com/" target="_blank">atlanticcityelectric.com</a>, on Facebook at <a href="http://facebook.com/atlanticcityelectric" target="_blank">facebook.com/AtlanticCityElectric</a>, and on X, formerly known as Twitter, at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/acelecconnect" target="_blank">twitter.com/AcEleCconnect</a>. Atlantic City Electric’s mobile app is available at <a href="http://www.atlanticcityelectric.com/mobileapp" target="_blank">atlanticcityelectric.com/MobileApp</a>.

View original content <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/atlantic-city-electric_habitatrestoration-marineconservation-ecofriendly-activity-7209647376964153345-EM3o/?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop" target="_blank">here</a>.

Atlantic City Electric’s Eco Team Recently Volunteered To Help Safeguard Coastal Waters

<img alt="Three women stood at a desk looking at a piece of paper " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6a66b2eb-9bf0-4038-9cec-95770511622d" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/sb-women-lead-passion-optimism-success_PNC_071724.jpeg" width="640" class="align-center" height="549" loading="lazy" /><a href="https://www.pnc.com/insights/small-business/stories-and-trends/women-business-owners-lead-with-passion-optimism-for-success.html?" target="_blank">PNC | Insights</a>

Passion, collaboration and community are key to running a successful business. That’s according to a recent survey of women business leaders as part of PNC’s bi-annual <a href="https://www.pnc.com/insights/small-business/stories-and-trends/optimism-among-business-owners-as-economic-conditions-improve.html" target="_blank" title="Economic Outlook Survey">Economic Outlook Survey</a>.

Passion and personal satisfaction for their business or industry is a top factor women business leaders cited for starting and staying in business, with 43% of respondents choosing that over financial success (35%) – the next highest. The passion for work factor was one key differentiator between women and men business leaders, with only 28% of men reporting personal satisfaction as a primary driver of staying in business. Fewer women leaders (6%) also reported staying with their business out of obligation to family or co-workers than did men (12%).

“For many women business owners, starting and running a business is born out of a personal interest or an opportunity to make a difference in the community,” said Shana Peterson-Sheptak, head of Business Banking at PNC. “That’s not at the expense of profitability, but it shows the power of being passionate or satisfied with what you do.”

Positive Outlook for the Future

Respondents noted more than just passion for their businesses, though; they also reported optimism both for the economy and the success of their ventures over the next six months. Women leaders were more likely than men to expect increases in demand (51% to 49%), sales (51% to 49%), prices to customers (49% to 40%), and profits (52% to 43%) in the coming months. They also were more likely than male business leaders to expect that their own compensation and savings for retirement would increase – which is a significant change since PNC’s Fall 2022 survey when women leaders were less likely than men to expect increases in those two metrics.

While both women and men were highly optimistic about the prospects for their business in the coming months, women leaders were significantly more likely to express confidence in the national and local economies than were men, 64% to 51% and 72% to 60% respectively. For those who expressed greater optimism for their business prospects than the national economy as a whole, nearly 80% of women leaders attributed their optimism to the confidence they have in their ability to run their own businesses.

“Better than expected economic performance in the first part of 2024 is creating optimism for many business leaders, both men and women,” Peterson-Sheptak said. “But women leaders are especially confident that, both, their businesses will be successful in the coming months and their abilities as leaders will help make them so.”

Providing Support

Still, there are significant differences between men and women respondents in terms of what they feel they need to succeed and how they prefer to receive support for their business, according to the latest survey results. Peers in the field are the most popular form of support for both women and men business leaders (64% to 69%, respectively.) But women indicate they are more likely to consider support from community, friends and family vital to their business success than men do (62% to 41%).

That support extends to banking relationships where PNC survey feedback has shown that women financial decision makers seek out relationships that extend beyond banking products and services to include financial education and community connections.

PNC cultivates relationships with women financial decision makers in many ways, including through the local cross line of business market teams led by PNC’s more than 50 regional presidents coast to coast. Central to this year-round engagement are the company’s network of more than 5,000 PNC-certified Women’s Business Advocates (WBAs) who share a passion for helping women financial decision makers achieve their financial goals.

“Women entrepreneurs are leading with passion for their business, confidence, and optimism for the future,” Peterson-Sheptak said. “We need to make sure we have the resources and people to support their success.”

To learn more about PNC and how we support women financial decision makers <a href="https://www.pnc.com/en/small-business/topics/women-in-business.html" target="_blank" title="Resources for Women Financial Decision-Makers">visit Resources for Women Financial Decision-Makers</a>.

Women Business Owners Lead With Passion and Optimism for Success

<img alt="A group of people holding a large cheque " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6240c7ee-439d-4846-97c1-b5b628b55994" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/NW-Housing-Alternatives-Grant-Photo_Keybank_071924.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="900" loading="lazy" />PORTLAND, Ore., July 22, 2024 /CSRwire/ - <a href="https://nwhousing.org/" target="_blank">Northwest Housing Alternatives</a>(NHA) has received a $300,000 grant from <a href="http://www.key.com" target="_blank">KeyBank</a> to provide education and outreach for climate-related disaster preparation and emergency supplies directed to the low-income households living in NHA properties.

As the leading not-for-profit developer of affordable housing in Oregon, NHA serves some of the most vulnerable populations in the state, including seniors, people of color, people with disabilities and families living on low incomes. NHA notes that these groups are far more likely to be impacted by environmental disasters and emergencies and are less likely to have the necessary supplies and preparations to safely weather them. 

The grant will support the expansion of an existing program to distribute emergency supplies and hold educational events covering emergency preparedness and sustainability initiatives, including ways to conserve water and reduce waste and utility usage. It will also connect residents with utility assistance to free up funds for other essentials, such as rent, groceries and medications.

In addition, it will support more sustainable building, certifying all new housing developments to Earth Advantage standards and reducing energy consumption and cost by up to 30% compared to conventional building standards. 

 “At KeyBank, our mission is to help our communities thrive, and emergency preparedness is a foundational step,” said Josh Lyons, KeyBank Oregon and SW Washington Market President. “Because vulnerable households, such as those served by NHA, have fewer resources to fall back on, the impact of a disaster can be particularly devastating. By providing these families with essential emergency supplies and the knowledge to use them effectively, we are empowering them to protect themselves and their loved ones in times of crisis.”

“Over the past several years, we’ve seen the devastating impact of climate-related disasters such as ice storms, heat waves, and wildfires on the residents living in NHA properties,” said Trell Anderson, Executive Director of Northwest Housing Alternatives. “We know that these once rare events are becoming increasingly commonplace in our region. This grant will help us extend our reach to ensure that residents know what to do to stay safe in the event of a natural disaster and help limit the impacts of our changing climate.” 

About Northwest Housing Alternatives

Founded in 1982, Northwest Housing Alternatives (NHA) is a leading not-for-profit developer of affordable housing in Oregon. Our mission is to create opportunity through housing. To that end, NHA develops, builds, and manages rental housing designed for Oregonians with extremely limited incomes; most NHA households earn less than $22,000 per year. These homes help families live healthy and stable lives, allow older adults to age in place, and give people with disabilities a dignified residence. Along with providing affordable housing, NHA provides services that connect tenants to critical health and community resources, work to prevent homelessness before it begins, and offer emergency shelter and services for families experiencing homelessness.

About KeyCorp 

KeyCorp's roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $187 billion at March 31, 2024. Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.key.com/" target="_blank">https://www.key.com/</a>. KeyBank Member FDIC. 

###

Northwest Housing Alternatives Receives $300,000 Grant From KeyBank To Support Its Climate Resiliency Program

<img alt="Sung Dae Kim and another." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5c3ed7a8-fa84-49ac-b3e0-51ebf801bb4e" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Sung%20DaeKim_owenscorning_053124.jpg" width="640" class="align-center" height="900" loading="lazy" />Our people making a difference is a series featured throughout Owens Corning’s <a href="https://www.owenscorning.com/en-us/corporate/sustainability/docs/2024/2023-Owens-Corning-Sustainability-Report.pdf" target="_blank">2023 Sustainability Report</a>.

With approximately 30 years’ experience at Owens Corning, SD Kim has an in-depth understanding of our operations in general and our Asan, South Korea, Roofing plant in particular. His expertise has been instrumental as we have sought to increase our positive impacts throughout the region, including our work to protect biodiversity around the plant. SD became especially interested in this topic after reviewing data provided by the Wildlife Habitat Council in 2022, and he has been actively involved in several projects that take concrete action toward our biodiversity aspirations.

On the importance of protecting biodiversity 

When the Earth’s natural ecosystems maintain relationships with each other and achieve balance based on biodiversity, everything can flow more naturally. Protecting biodiversity is important globally as we work toward meeting the needs of today’s generations while preserving our world for future generations.

This goes beyond environmental issues — it relates to social ethics and morality as well as the sustainability and self-preservation of humanity. Efforts that preserve biodiversity are essential for companies and are valuable in terms of conserving nature and ensuring coexistence between humans and the planet. Therefore, we believe that sustainable management is critical for all companies that develop resources and utilize them for business.

On the initiatives underway at the Asan plant 

I have shared the importance of protecting biodiversity with plant employees, and it has become part of our sustainability efforts. We have initiated several projects to protect birds, including the installation of film on office windows, which prevents collision. We also adjusted the angle of the streetlights so as not to obstruct the view of migrating birds.

In 2024, we will install birdhouses and noise reduction equipment. We are actively working on improving internal plant processes for reducing waste scrap and achieving zero waste-to-landfill using the Focused Improvement pillar of Total Productive Maintenance. In addition, we are installing solar panels on our roof in 2024, and we have targets to reduce energy intensity within the plant. Earth has a finite number of resources, and once they are gone, they cannot be used again. Therefore, we must take responsibility for sustainability and constantly think about it.

On tying biodiversity to the overall Owens Corning sustainability mission 

Recently, interest in the environment, ecosystems, and animal welfare appears to be increasing, and people recognize a need for consumption to be more sustainable and ethical. Improving the environment has now become a necessity rather than an option. I believe that sustainability is not only my responsibility, but also the responsibility of Owens Corning. As a company, we are making great efforts in manufacturing with the recycling of waste across all our businesses, as well as energy reduction, developing environment-friendly products, and supporting communities. I feel these are all definitely connected to protecting biodiversity around the world.

Employee Q&A: Biodiversity Around Our Asan, South Korea Plant

<img alt="Students sat at a table looking towards the front of the room" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="22a09b10-da87-49d4-a8a7-ad9f75e5f33c" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/1-Career-Planning-Session_Duke-Energy_071924.jpeg" width="640" class="align-center" height="853" loading="lazy" />We welcomed nearly 50 <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/jcsuniversity/" target="_blank">Johnson C. Smith University - JCSU</a> students to our Charlotte, N.C., headquarters to learn about the company and the numerous career opportunities that Duke Energy offers. Employees from finance, marketing and information technology shared stories with the students about their professional journeys that led them to Duke Energy, and experiences working in the utility industry.
<img alt="Two people stood opposite each other " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b7671cfa-73f9-415c-8392-5c7715d0e7d9" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/2-Career-Planning-Session_Duke-Energy_071924.jpeg" width="640" class="align-center" height="853" loading="lazy" />Students went on to ask about work-life balance, the state of renewable energy and how best to prepare themselves as they enter the workforce.

When asked about the most rewarding part of his job, Duke Energy intern Kwesi Kyei-Fordjour (pictured, red shirt), spoke to being valued by his team as a contributor to our mission.
<img alt="Four people stood together for a photo" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="edada88d-5ba1-4e07-99b1-9339da1d274e" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/3-Career-Planning-Session_Duke-Energy_071924.jpeg" width="640" class="align-center" height="853" loading="lazy" />“It’s rewarding to know that, as an intern, I’m not just doing busy work,” said Kyei-Fordjour. “This is my second rotation [as a Duke Energy intern]. I’ve earned my trust with the team, and they’re assigning me to things that are truly important to the company.”

We at Duke Energy are honored to host such a great group of inquisitive students and can’t wait to see the contributions they’ll bring to our communities as the next generation of young professionals.
<img alt="People walking through a corridor, one person smiling at the camera with their thumbs up" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6e7ab7ff-9ab1-4d77-bf70-a4034d2116d7" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/4-Career-Planning-Session_Duke-Energy_071924.jpeg" width="640" class="align-center" height="853" loading="lazy" />Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 27,600 people.

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious clean energy transition to achieve its goals of net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company has interim carbon emission targets of at least 50% reduction from electric generation by 2030, 50% for Scope 2 and certain Scope 3 upstream and downstream emissions by 2035, and 80% from electric generation by 2040. In addition, the company is investing in major electric grid enhancements and energy storage, and exploring zero-emission power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear.

Duke Energy was named to Fortune’s 2023 “World’s Most Admired Companies” list and Forbes’ “World’s Best Employers” list. More information is available at <a href="https://www.3blmedia.com/track?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.duke-energy.com%2F&amp;n=35745" target="_blank">duke-energy.com</a>. The <a href="https://www.3blmedia.com/track?u=http%3A%2F%2Fnews.duke-energy.com%2F&amp;n=35745" target="_blank">Duke Energy News Center</a> contains news releases, fact sheets, photos and videos. Duke Energy’s <a href="https://www.3blmedia.com/track?u=http%3A%2F%2Fillumination.duke-energy.com%2F&amp;n=35745" target="_blank">illumination</a> features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on <a href="https://www.3blmedia.com/track?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fdukeenergy&amp;n=35745" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.3blmedia.com/track?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fduke-energy-corporation&amp;n=35745" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://www.3blmedia.com/track?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fduke_energy&amp;n=35745" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.3blmedia.com/track?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fdukeenergy&amp;n=35745" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.

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We welcomed nearly 50 Johnson C. Smith University - JCSU students to our Charlotte, N.C., headquarters to learn about the company and the numerous career opportunities that Duke Energy offers.

Duke Energy Hosts Career Planning Session With Johnson C Smith University Students

<img alt="Wide view of a group of adults and children in an open area in a building." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3b8f23a3-8e45-47b6-98d5-64c9644e8be1" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/campgroup_TCS_072224.jpeg" width="640" class="align-center" height="853" loading="lazy" />Seeking to help prepare members of the future global workforce in the effective and responsible use of generative AI (GenAI), Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) recently held a summer camp to train middle and high school students on the fast-growing technology. The TCS pilot program, held from June 4-6 at a Go Innovate Together (goIT) summer camp in Milford, Ohio, is one of the first examples in the U.S. of a technology industry leader incorporating GenAI into STEM education for middle and high school students.

The initiative intrigued both the students and their parents. Many are accustomed to rules outlawing the use of AI in classrooms or for schoolwork, discouraging young people from engaging with it. TCS’ move aligns with the state of Ohio’s recent release of <a href="https://innovateohio.gov/aitoolkit/ai-toolkit" target="_blank">guidelines</a> for using AI in the classroom. TCS agrees with Ohio officials that leading in the technology, rather than following its advances, can strengthen economic futures, broaden talent pipelines and help establish an innovative edge.

During the camp, TCS introduced and tested its new GenAI Technology Learning Pathway to about 70 students aged 11 to 17 attending the event at its Global Delivery Center in Milford, Ohio. Participants worked through various GenAI learning modules, discussed the importance of Responsible AI, learned the basics of prompt engineering and explored how to use GenAI to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems.

Facilitators asked participants to create concepts that could help solve one of the U.N.’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), challenging them to leverage GenAI as part of the solution. The UN SDGs address human and environmental concerns and mobilize the world to end all forms of poverty, tackle inequalities and address climate change. At the culmination, students pitched their ideas for digital innovations, competing against one another for awards and more.

There were more than 10 innovations presented to judges at the closing event and competition. One described a concept for a mobile app that would use GenAI to personalize meals, grocery lists, recipes, and exercise plans according to user personal health statistics, goals and progress. Another concept used AI to inform a robot cleaning the ocean floor. Yet another envisioned a computer extension aimed at reducing cheating in schools.

“What an incredible three days at TCS’ Cincinnati Global Delivery Center,” said Priya Dayal, Center Operations Lead &amp; CSR/DEI Champion at TCS. “This year, we welcomed 70 amazing middle and high school students from over 25 different school districts in the Tri-State (Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana) area. They immersed themselves in the world of our GenAI pilot, learning the fundamentals, exploring tools, and ultimately building incredible projects.”

The pilot was important on a number of levels. It reinforced the importance of the technology’s current and future uses, helped prepare young people for a future using GenAI in jobs that may not even exist yet, and offered an important message about the role GenAI can have in helping address some of the world’s most pressing problems.

“By integrating GenAI into the curriculum, TCS is equipping students with essential skills for the evolving technological landscape. This initiative not only prepares them for future job roles but also empowers them to achieve their career aspirations,” said Dr. Paul J. Bailo, a digital transformation professor at Columbia University. “By educating young minds on leveraging GenAI for the betterment of society, TCS is showcasing the profound potential of GenAI to revolutionize the way we live and work.”

TCS’ goIT program offers a variety of learning pathways, including mobile app design, microprocessors, Internet of Things, AI/machine learning, and more. The company will take what it learned from this pilot and apply it to future AI-related student programming. Learn more at: <a href="https://on.tcs.com/goIT-AMERS" target="_blank">https://on.tcs.com/goIT-AMERS</a>.

About TCS’ goIT Digital Innovation and Career Readiness Program  
Go Innovate Together program (goIT) is TCS’ flagship STEM education program. Focusing on digital innovation and career readiness, goIT engages students from diverse backgrounds with Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) subjects and computer science, design thinking and digital innovation. The program offers an industry-developed, customizable curriculum that teaches students the 21st century skills necessary for a career in technology. Lessons cover topics including design thinking, rapid prototyping, artificial intelligence, machine learning and more.

Among the program’s many offerings is the goIT Monthly Challenge. Since its launch in 2020, thousands of students across the globe have used key principles from goIT to design tech-based solutions and submit pitch videos based on a Monthly Challenge theme. Each month, TCS co-hosts the event with a Sustainable Development Goal ambassador, globally minded nonprofit or a TCS client. The Challenge has engaged a growing number of teachers and students every month, exploring topics ranging from gender equality and systemic racism to protecting life under water.

Visit the <a href="http://on.tcs.com/goIT-ENG" target="_blank">goIT Monthly Challenge competition website</a> to learn how to get students involved with upcoming challenges: <a href="https://on.tcs.com/goIT-ENG" target="_blank">https://on.tcs.com/goIT-ENG</a>. Visit <a href="https://on.tcs.com/goIT-AMERS" target="_blank">https://on.tcs.com/goIT-AMERS</a> to learn more about goIT.

Seeking to help prepare members of the future global workforce in the effective and responsible use of generative AI (GenAI), Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) recently held a summer camp to train middle and high school students on the fast-growing technology. 

TCS Breaks New Ground With Generative AI Summer Camp for Students Aged 11–17

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