Duke Energy Foundation Supports Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana to Deliver Work Readiness Programs to Southern Indiana Young Adults
Author: Jillian Cantu
Corporate Responsibility
Published:
Wednesday, 07 May 2025
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Image caption: Lori Teaching
Clarksville, IN (May 22, 2025) The Duke Energy Foundation is supporting Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana’s (JAKY) newest initiative focused on empowering young adults outside the traditional classroom.
Thanks to funding from the foundation, JAKY will provide hands-on work readiness programming to young adults at The Excel Center-Clarksville operated by Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana, with an emphasis on serving adults earning a high school diploma. The Goodwill Excel Center is a unique, tuition-free adult charter high school that awards industry recognized certifications and high school diplomas, not GEDs, to adult learners in the District.
“Junior Achievement programming provides our students with real-world knowledge and confidence that directly supports their academic and career goals. The connection to practical, hands-on learning has been invaluable in helping our learners envision and prepare for their futures,” said Deborah Wesley, College and Readiness Specialist at The Excel Center – Clarksville.
Junior Achievement’s programming delivers engaging, real-world learning experiences that build essential career and life skills, including financial literacy, job preparedness, and personal development. Programs are delivered in community-based settings such as recovery homes, youth shelters, and workforce centers—bringing opportunity directly to those who need it most.
“Junior Achievement believes every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed, no matter their circumstances,” said Jennifer Helgeson, president of Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana. “Thanks to the continued support of the Duke Energy Foundation, we are launching this new initiative to ensure young adults in Southern Indiana have access to the tools and support they need to succeed.”
“This is a great example of collaboration among nonprofits to help address workforce challenges in our communities by offering additional work readiness support,” said Lisa Huber, government and community relations manager for Duke Energy.
For more information about Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana or to get involved, visit www.jaky.org.
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