Kaitlyn Youngo and Jayla Krider, both of Salisbury, were selected to receive a Duke Energy Foundation Scholarship in the amount of $3,500 for the 2015-2016 academic year. Kaitlyn, a freshman at Barton College majoring in Criminal Justice & Criminology, is the daughter of Kelly Sue Youngo and Christopher Patrick Youngo of Salisbury. Jayla is a freshman pre-med student at Pfeiffer University.

The Duke Energy Foundation contributed $80,500 in scholarship aid this year through the Independent College Fund of NC, a division of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities. Duke Energy scholarships are awarded to students studying math or science.

“Now more than ever before, we need to ensure our students are equipped with knowledge and background in science, technology, engineering and math. Duke Energy is proud to support students pursuing degrees in STEM-related fields,” said David Fountain, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president. “Our long-standing partnership with North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities continues to help strengthen the state’s education-to-workforce pipeline.”

Dr. A. Hope Williams, president of North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, thanked Duke Energy on behalf of the Independent College Fund of North Carolina and the students attending private colleges and universities in North Carolina. “Duke Energy’s support of independent higher education over the past 56 years is deeply appreciated. Their contribution helps prepare students who are seeking STEM jobs, fields that are essential for North Carolina to remain a successful competitor in the global marketplace.”

About The Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to address the needs vital to the health of its communities. For more information, visit www.duke-energy.com/foundation .

About North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities

The Independent College Fund of North Carolina is the division of North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities that provides student scholarship aid and enrichment programs. For more information, visit www.ncicu.org .