Duke Energy Foundation supports Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s Living Classroom

Posted May 4, 2016

CINCINNATI, Ohio — The Duke Energy Foundation announced a $25,000 environmental grant to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s (CZBG) Living Classroom Education Access Fund program.

The grant will be used to help local students continue to enjoy firsthand the exciting learning opportunities that the zoo provides.

CZBG is celebrating four years since the inception of the Living Classroom Education Access Fund (LCEAF) program and its continued success in affording every student the opportunity to be inspired by wildlife.

“Duke Energy has been a longtime partner on a number of projects throughout the years with the Cincinnati Zoo &Botanical Garden,” said Jim Henning, president, Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky. “Helping students in Greater Cincinnati have the opportunity to experience the zoo firsthand broadens their science and environmental education at a nationally recognized hometown institution.”

The LCEAF program was founded in November 2012 with the goal of financially supporting the ability of all schools in the Greater Cincinnati area to access the zoo and its nationally recognized programs. By providing teachers with programs that meet educational standards and promising to cover the cost of admission for schools in need, the Cincinnati Zoo and LCEAF are working to ensure that every Tri-State area child has the opportunity to experience the excitement of learning at the zoo.

“The zoo’s school programs continue to attract students and their educators with authentic, inquiry-based experiences that support classroom curriculum,” said Cincinnati Zoo Director Thane Maynard. “Now with the help of our community sponsors, we are able to support more school participants than ever before and give students the opportunity to learn from the zoo’s amazing animals regardless of financial need.”

More information on the program is available at: http://cincinnatizoo.org/education/schools-teachers/fieldtrips/the-living-classroom-access-fund/.

The world famous Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden was rated by Zagat Survey as the #1 attraction locally and one of the top zoos in the nation. It has also been recognized by Child Magazine as one of “The 10 Best Zoos for Kids.” Over 1.5 million people visit the zoo’s award-winning exhibits, and more than 500 animal and 3000 plant species annually. The zoo is an accredited member of the American Zoo & Aquarium Association (AZA) and the American Public Gardens Association (APGA). It is internationally known for its success in the protection and propagation of endangered animals and plants, and engages in research and conservation projects worldwide.

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.

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