Joliet Junior College (JJC) has received a $216,199 grant from the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) as part of the Rev Up EV! Community College Initiative.
This funding will be allocated to JJC’s automotive technology department and enhance its program offerings in electric vehicles. Currently, JJC offers a nine-credit hybrid and electric vehicle specialist certification of completion. The Rev Up EV! grant will allow the department to acquire the necessary equipment to develop a new associate degree in electric vehicle repair. There is also potential for a for-credit certification program focused on charging station maintenance and repair.
“This grant is a testament to the commitment of JJC’s automotive technology program to keep its students ahead of the curve in regard to the evolution of the automotive industry,” said Joshua West, dean of career and technical education. “We are grateful for the support from the Illinois Community College Board and look forward to leveraging these funds to provide cutting-edge education and training opportunities for our students.”
JJC’s automotive program operates a fully functioning automotive repair shop 40 hours a week, providing students with exceptional experiential learning opportunities to prepare them for success in the field. This hands-on experience has gained the program national attention recently when alumnus Nathan Bulthuis earned a first-place finish at the national SkillsUSA competition in automotive service technology after winning gold at the state level competition.
The Rev Up EV! Community College Initiative is a statewide effort to equip community colleges with the resources needed to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the electric vehicle sector. Joliet Junior College is proud to be one of the 25 Illinois community colleges selected to receive grants through this initiative.
For more information about Joliet Junior College’s automotive technology program and the impact of the Rev Up EV! grant, contact Katherine Smith, communications and media manager at katherine.smith@jjc.edu
