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State Farm provided a $1 million grant to support the
new electric vehicle/energy storage training facility on the campus
of Heartland Community College in Normal, IL. The facility will be
named the State Farm Electric Vehicle Lab.
“State Farm is delighted to expand our charitable
relationship with Heartland Community College through the State Farm
Electric Vehicle Lab,” said Rasheed Merritt, Assistant Vice
President of Corporate Responsibility. “This innovative hands-on
learning environment will equip students of all ages for future
in-demand job opportunities in Central Illinois and beyond.”
The donation supports the Electric Vehicle/Energy
Storage (EVES) program at Heartland Community College, which
launched in the Fall semester of 2021, with students learning
electric vehicle maintenance skills at a temporary instructional
space leased by the College.
In September of 2022, Heartland began the construction of a facility
to support advanced manufacturing and technology training. The
facility includes a 6,278 square foot Electric Vehicle/Energy
Storage (EVES) center, as well as remodeled space to further support
programs such as robotics, HVAC, welding, and digital media.
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“State Farm has a history of
investing in our community and in Heartland Community College
students,” said Heartland Community College President Keith
Cornille. “The Heartland students who are developing skills in
advanced manufacturing and sustainable energy programs are at
the cutting edge of a growing industry that is fueling our
economy and strengthening our community as a whole.”
Heartland offers a two-year Electric Vehicle Technology
Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree as well as four
short-term certificates which include EV Maintenance and Light
Repair, EV Energy Storage, EV Service Advisor, and EV
Technology. The AAS and Certificates are designed to prepare
individuals with the skills and competencies necessary for a
variety of successful career options in assembly, maintenance
and light repair, service advising, and as electric vehicle
technicians.
“The programs supported by this contribution are all about
moving students into the workforce,” said Chris Downing,
Executive Director of the Heartland Foundation. “State Farm’s
commitment to Heartland in an investment not only the College,
but also in the most valuable resource any employer needs:
skilled people.”
[Steve Fast
Assistant to the President, Public Information and Communication
Heartland Community College] |
