First Bank Provides Support For The Boy Scouts' Renewable Energy Education Program

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Jun 06, 2018, 01:28 ET

SOUTHERN PINES, N.C., June 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- With the help of First Bank, as many as 200 middle schoolers across seven counties will have the opportunity to learn more about careers in sustainable energy, as well as get hands-on experience in the field.

First Bank, the largest community bank based in North Carolina, has pledged $15,000 over three years to help launch EnergizeNC, a partnership between the Central North Carolina Council of the Boy Scouts of America and The Center for the Environment at Catawba College. The program will provide renewable energy and sustainability education to at-risk youth in select middle schools in Anson, Cabarrus, Montgomery, Richmond, Rowan, Stanly and Union counties. In addition to its financial contribution, First Bank will also donate 15 computers and assist in the creation of promotional materials.

North Carolina is the country's largest producer of renewable energy, and demand for jobs in this field is expected to grow. The goal of EnergizeNC is to begin preparing students to pursue these careers by exposing them to training and education outside of the traditional classroom setting. The program expects to launch this fall with between 150 and 200 participants.

"EnergizeNC is gaining a lot of momentum, and this donation from First Bank will not only help us serve more children, but also provides us with many of the resources we need for the program to be successful," said Greg Balog, the CEO of the Central North Carolina Council. "We thank First Bank for its long history of being a friend to the Boy Scouts and to the communities it serves, and this is just another example of that commitment."

Youth enrolled in the program will meet twice monthly to learn about various types of renewable energy including wind, water, biomass and solar. Students will also take field trips to see real world applications of what they are learning and to meet with renewable energy professionals.

EnergizeNC will be taught by students enrolled in The Center for the Environment at Catawba College. Organizers hope this will help strengthen the college students' learning, but also allow them to serve as mentors and hopefully spark interest in post-secondary education among the middle school participants..

"First Bank is committed to helping all of the communities in this state thrive, and we believe EnergizeNC will provide a wonderful benefit not just for the students enrolled in it, but for the entire region," said Michael Mayer, president and CEO of First Bank. "We are proud to partner with the Central North Carolina Council and Catawba College in this endeavor."

About First Bancorp

First Bancorp is the holding company for First Bank and is headquartered in Southern Pines, North Carolina, with total assets of approximately $5.6 billion. Its principal activity is the ownership and operation of First Bank, a state-chartered community bank that operates 102 bank branches in North Carolina and South Carolina. Since 1935, First Bank has taken a tailored approach to banking, combining best-in-class financial solutions, helpful local expertise, and technology to manage a home or business. First Bancorp's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "FBNC." Visit our website at www.LocalFirstBank.com. Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender.

SOURCE First Bank