Advancing education in electric vehicle technology

Southeastern Community College (SCC) received a $468,929 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation under the STEM Education program (CFDA 47.076) awarded on September 15, 2025, with completion targeted for August 31, 2028. The grant funds the development and implementation of an Electric Vehicle (EV) Technician education pathway integrated into SCC's existing automotive technology program. Core products and services include curriculum design aligned with industry employer needs, specialized training for SCC automotive instructors and high school automotive instructors in EV technology through summer workshops, acquisition and installation of EV equipment, and establishment of pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship opportunities embedded within the curriculum. The program will serve traditional community college students, dual-enrolled high school students from four local partner high schools, and incumbent workers, with an enrollment target of at least 20 students annually within the first two years.

The grant supports workforce development initiatives designed to address the regional and national shortage of skilled EV technicians. Deliverables include the creation of a dedicated EV technician certificate program, expansion of dual enrollment offerings at partner high school sites, and industry partnership coordination to connect students with work-based learning and apprenticeship opportunities. These services are designed to enhance student retention and completion rates while improving job placement outcomes in the growing electric vehicle service and maintenance sector.

Abstract

Southeastern community college (SCC), located in whiteville, north carolina, will collaborate with area high schools, businesses, and industry to prepare and employ skilled and highly qualified electric vehicle (EV) technicians to address the significant demand for skilled technicians to service and maintain EVS in north carolina and across the nation. The proposed EV technology curriculum, integrated with SCC?s existing automotive technology program, will offer traditional community college students, dual-enrolled high school students, and incumbent workers the opportunity to earn a certificate in EV technology. In addition to providing students with an SCC degree or certificate, the project will collaborate with industry partners to connect students with work-based learning and apprenticeship opportunities that will significantly enhance student retention, completion rates, and job placement outcomes. This project is designed to address the growing demand for skilled EV technicians in the region and the nation with the achievement of the following goals: (1) enhance SCC?s existing automotive program to create a dedicated EV technician pathway for students entering the workforce, and (2) expand the college?s dual enrollment initiatives by partnering with the four local high schools to offer EV technology coursework at their sites. Within the first two years of the EV technology program's launch, at least 20 students are expected to be enrolled annually. To achieve these goals, SCC's automotive instructors will undergo training in EV technology, acquire and install EV equipment, and design a curriculum that aligns with the needs of local employers. Pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship opportunities will be integrated into the EV technology curriculum, ensuring students gain practical experience. Additionally, high school automotive instructors will receive specialized training through summer workshops. Recruitment efforts will focus on all students at SCC using a multi-faceted approach to attract a diverse group of participants. Through these actions, the college will ensure participants are thoroughly prepared as highly qualified, career-ready EV technicians. The results of this project will serve as a model for other small, rural community colleges, providing a framework for them to prepare students for the expanding EV workforce. This project is funded by the advanced technological education program that focuses on the education of technicians for the advanced-technology fields that drive the nation?s economy. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.