HCC receives $1M grant from State Farm for electric vehicle program

Posted on August 16, 2023
Heartland Board of Trustees Chair Becky Ropp, State Farm Assistant Vice President of Corporate Responsibility Rasheed Merritt, Heartland President Keith Cornille. (Photo courtesy Heartland Community College)

By Neil Doyle

NORMAL – Heartland Community College’s electric vehicle manufacturing and maintenance workforce program is getting a boost from State Farm.

According to a news release, State Farm provided a $1 million grant to support the new electric vehicle/energy storage training facility on the campus of Heartland in Normal. 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 HCC.

Rendering of State Farm Electric Vehicle Lab. (Photo courtesy Heartland Community College)

In September of 2022, the college began the construction of a facility to support advanced manufacturing and technology training. The facility includes a 6,278 square foot EVES center, as well as remodeled space to further support programs such as robotics, HVAC, welding, and digital media.

“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. 

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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