Louisville, Kentucky, December 4, 2025
Jefferson Community and Technical College in Louisville has secured a federal grant of nearly $500,000 to upgrade its hybrid and electric vehicle training programs. This funding from the National Science Foundation is aimed at modernizing the curriculum to keep pace with industry standards, ensuring that technicians receive cutting-edge training necessary for the evolving automotive sector. The initiative will also support automotive instructors across Kentucky in incorporating HEV/EV training into their educational programs.
Louisville College Receives Federal Grant to Modernize Electric Vehicle Curriculum
Louisville, Kentucky – Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC) has been awarded a nearly $500,000 federal grant to enhance its hybrid and electric vehicle (HEV/EV) training programs. This funding aims to update the curriculum to meet current industry standards and develop a specialized training certificate.
Grant Details
The three-year Advanced Technological Education (ATE) grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) will enable JCTC to modernize its HEV/EV curriculum. The initiative is designed to ensure that both new and existing technicians have access to the most up-to-date training available, aligning with the evolving needs of the automotive sector.
Program Leadership
Automotive instructor Nick O’Brien, in collaboration with program coordinator Stephen Frame and instructor Will Riggs, will lead the modernization efforts. O’Brien emphasized the importance of adapting to the increasing popularity of electric vehicles and the unique technical skills required for their maintenance, particularly concerning high-voltage systems.
Statewide Impact
The grant also aims to support secondary and post-secondary automotive instructors across Kentucky. By collaborating and providing guidance on instruction, JCTC plans to assist educators statewide in incorporating HEV/EV training into their programs, thereby strengthening the state’s automotive workforce.
Background Context
This federal grant is part of a broader initiative to enhance electric vehicle education and infrastructure. Similar efforts include the Kentucky Grid Resilience Grant Program, which awarded over $6 million to improve the state’s electric grid, and the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant, which provided $21 million to Louisville for transportation safety improvements. These programs collectively contribute to the advancement of sustainable transportation and the development of a skilled workforce in the region.
Key Features of the Federal Grant to JCTC
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Grant Amount | Nearly $500,000 |
| Grant Duration | Three years |
| Grant Source | National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education program |
| Purpose | Modernize HEV/EV curriculum and develop a specialized training certificate |
| Program Leaders | Nick O’Brien, Stephen Frame, Will Riggs |
| Statewide Impact | Support for automotive instructors across Kentucky to incorporate HEV/EV training |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the federal grant awarded to JCTC?
The grant aims to modernize JCTC’s hybrid and electric vehicle curriculum to align with current industry needs and develop a specialized training certificate.
Who will lead the curriculum modernization efforts at JCTC?
Automotive instructor Nick O’Brien, along with program coordinator Stephen Frame and instructor Will Riggs, will lead the initiative.
How will the grant impact automotive instructors across Kentucky?
The grant will support secondary and post-secondary automotive instructors statewide by providing guidance and collaboration to incorporate HEV/EV training into their programs.
What are some other initiatives related to electric vehicle education in Kentucky?
Other initiatives include the Kentucky Grid Resilience Grant Program, which awarded over $6 million to improve the state’s electric grid, and the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant, which provided $21 million to Louisville for transportation safety improvements.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Ford Invests $60 Million and Adds 100 Jobs in Louisville Plant
Ford’s $60 Million Investment Boosts Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville
Ford Motor Company Invests $60 Million in Louisville Truck Plant
Top Jefferson County Home Sales Signal Robust Real Estate Market
Akebono Brake Plant Closure in Elizabethtown Affects 450 Workers
Louisville’s Tech and Healthcare Sectors Thrive Amid Job Market Slowdown
Ford Expands Operations with $41 Million Land Purchase in Louisville
Ford’s $41 Million Expansion Strengthens Louisville’s Automotive Sector
