Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Rock Valley College has won a $425,000 state grant that will allow it to expand its courses focused on electric vehicles.
The funding is part of $9.4 million awarded to 25 community colleges through the Illinois Community College Board’s Rev Up EV initiative.
Rock Valley started offering electric vehicle courses in August, and the money will be used to create additional EV courses and purchase laboratory equipment necessary to train students in electrical vehicle repair.
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RVC said Tuesday in a news release that the courses are already in high demand as students think about future automotive careers.
The college said there is also a growing need for the courses from employers. Stellantis is planning on launching a battery plant in Belvidere in 2028 as part of a $5 billion local investment. Rockford Mass Transit District has been replacing its older diesel vehicles with electric battery powered buses. RMTD has partnered with the college to offer customized EV training to its employees.
“We are thrilled to harness the energy of this generous grant to spark innovation and growth within our Automotive Program,” Hansen Stewart, vice president of career and technical education and workforce development at RVC, said in a news release. “This investment will not only electrify the educational experience at Rock Valley College but will also drive positive change within our community, creating a sustainable and dynamic future for all.”
The current EV courses offered at RVC are:
- Hybrid and electric vehicle powertrain
- Advanced vehicle chassis systems
- Hybrid and electric vehicle battery systems