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Local nonprofit AAA Corporation says Duke Energy mini-grant boosted tech training and outreach
Summary
Emiliano Dunn, executive director of AAA Corporation in Oxford, says a Duke Energy mini-grant helped the nonprofit expand Cisco-accredited cybersecurity and robotics programming, improve outreach and provide laptops and internet access to residents.
Emiliano Dunn, executive director and founder of AAA Corporation, told Nextdoor Radio’s Local Talk that a 2024 Duke Energy mini-grant helped the Oxford-based nonprofit expand industry-recognized training and community outreach. Dunn said the organization provides Cisco-accredited networking and cybersecurity pathways, youth-focused digital media programs and a kids robotics lab.
Dunn said the funding and local partnerships ‘‘helped us provide more accessibility for learning for the students and the people in the program,’’ and described the grant as ‘‘a catalyst’’ that improved the organization’s marketing and web presence. The program has partnered with Vance-Granville Community College’s Small Business Center and, Dunn said, ‘‘we've been able to reach over 600 students in Granville County, Vance County and Durham as well.’’
AAA Corporation is a Cisco Networking Academy that offers CCNA and cybersecurity pathway training and grants industry-recognized certifications. Dunn said he is an accredited Cisco instructor and that the organization also runs an ongoing Create Plus program for children focused on podcasting, esports and digital media, plus a kids robotics lab that meets at the Granville County Cooperative Extension office.
Dunn named several local partners and sponsors who support operations and events, including the Vance-Granville Small Business Network, the mayor (who allowed use of a community resource building), Family Diner, Jersey Mike’s, Little Caesar’s, Freeman’s Barbershop and Clean and Green Inc. He also acknowledged lead facilitators Brittany Wilkerson, Tahira Johnson and Richard Mendenhall.
On local needs and technology access, Dunn said AAA Corporation distributes devices and connectivity: ‘‘We give away free laptops,’’ and he invited residents to contact the group through its website and email for assistance. He provided the website www.aa8corp.org, email edunnton@aa8corp.org and a contact number of (984) 288-2240.
Looking ahead, Dunn said AAA Corporation plans to start a data analytics program and an AI research track in the fall, launch a Granville County 4‑H community robotics club and pilot a solar tech program to build panels and explore city partnerships for charging stations. He emphasized ongoing cybersecurity vigilance and daily updates to curriculum in response to large data breaches.
The interview aired live from Tobacco Wood Brewing Company as part of Nextdoor Radio’s Local Talk, produced in partnership with Vance-Granville Community College’s Small Business Center and with support from Duke Energy. The Moderator closed the program with thanks and a reminder to reach AAA Corporation via the contact details provided.
