PLAINFIELD, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The Duke Energy Foundation announced Wednesday that it awarded approximately $280,000 in grants to 11 workforce development and education programs in Indiana to help create a pipeline of workers prepared for employment.

“I hear consistently from Indiana businesses that well-trained workers are one of their greatest needs,” Duke Energy Indiana President Stan Pinegar said. “Many of the jobs don’t require a college degree but instead need skilled workers with specialized training. These grants support that demand. Developing a skilled workforce is key to attracting and retaining business in Indiana, and it’s a high priority of Duke Energy.”

Dimension Mill, a coworking space in Bloomington, Ind., received one of the grants to support its ten-week, free program for unemployed people interested in a new tech career. Called “The Mill Code School,” the program emphasizes local, smaller technology businesses with urgent talent needs.

“Small tech companies have urgent talent needs,” Melissa Ward, head of Initiatives and Partnerships at The Mill said. “With the help of grants such as this, we partner with Ivy Tech Community College and can provide not only training for those interested in starting a new career in technology, but we help with connections and the job search. Code/IT Academy is a matchmaker of sorts, training new employees and connecting them with growing tech companies in our area.”

Also included amongst grant recipients are:

Dimension Mill Inc., Monroe County, $34,500

Goodwill Education Initiatives, Marion County, $40,000

Hamilton Heights School Corporation, Hamilton County, $20,000

Huntington University, Huntington County, $10,000

Indiana Veteran Initiative, Marion County, $50,000

Noblesville Schools Education Foundation, Hamilton County, $10,000

Region 10 Workforce Board, Floyd County, $50,000

Vigo County School Corporation, Vigo County, $30,000

Westfield Education Foundation, Hamilton County, $10,000