Trenholm State Community College has joined the Innovate Alabama Network and received a grant of more than $240,000 to expand its Automotive Service Program to focus on Electric Vehicle maintenance.

Innovate Alabama is a statewide public-private partnership that assists innovators in establishing roots in Alabama through entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation. The Innovate Alabama Network connects communities, nonprofits, and higher education institutions across the state in order to encourage collaboration among and growth within the Network’s members.

“We are privileged to be allowed to formally participate in this important network in the state of Alabama,” said Trenholm State President Dr. Kemba Chambers. “It will give the college access to opportunities to connect with others to enhance our programs, and the resources provided through Innovate Alabama will help us achieve our mission of promoting economic development, enhancing workforce development, and improving the quality of life of Alabamians.”

With admission into the Innovate Alabama Network, Trenholm State received grant funds that will be used to develop a focus on EV maintenance within the Automotive Service Program.

“We have heard from our community partners that there is a need to train automotive mechanics in EV safety and repair, and as a community college, we knew it was important to respond to that need.” Chambers said. “The grant from Innovate Alabama will help us do just that, and we are grateful for the group for supporting us in this endeavor.”

Trenholm State will use the funds to purchase EV trainers and specialized equipment to perform maintenance on EVs. The Montgomery college plans to incorporate EV training into its degree and certificate programs in automotive service and will provide non-credit EV training to existing automotive technicians.

In addition, the college plans to develop non-credit safety training for emergency responders so they will be able to safely maneuver around EVs after a crash.