Good Neighbor Stories

Supporting Education Is One of Our Foundational Values

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 14:36:51 -0500

State Farm believes education is critical for healthy, vibrant communities. Access to an education helps everyone reach their greatest potential.

These stories demonstrate that commitment and the people and programs that are providing learners with the tools and resources to help them achieve and realize their dreams.

Education in the Neighborhood Story Archive

Congrats State Farm Scholars!

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 18:04:40 -0500

The first cohort of State Farm scholars graduated Georgia State University in May. State Farm Education Assist® was integral to their academic experience and success. We can't wait to see where their journeys lead as they begin their professional careers!

Proof Positive

“Four years ago, a group of 40 high school seniors from low-income backgrounds received the State Farm Scholarship at Georgia State’s Perimeter College. For many, it was the only way they could go to college. Now, they’re earning degrees at remarkably high rates, demonstrating that, with the right support, all students can graduate." ~ Read the full story from GSU.

Get assistance paying for college while focusing on your career.

Fri, 28 May 2021 08:55:11 -0500

Broadening opportunity through access to education is vital to the development of the workforce of the future. It is also at the heart of the Community College Tuition Program. It's great for those focusing on their State Farm careers and who might not have the extra funds to go back to college.

Through the program, State Farm pays upfront employees' tuition, books, and fees at any of the 10 Maricopa Community Colleges (MCCCD).

Thousands of State Farm employees have already taken advantage of the program. They also have access to onsite and virtual academic advising. The coaching is available to employee participants and provided by the Enrollment Management Outreach team at MCCCD. Student success is their top priority.

Onsite college classes have been offered at State Farm since May of 2017. And last year, a new pilot program launched. It provides new hires the opportunity to earn college credit while in training for their role at State Farm.

Because of these offerings, State Farm was recently awarded the Heroes of Education Award from the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation.

These programs would not be possible without a shared vision, strategy and passion. State Farm knows how beneficial earning a degree in higher education can be. Our partnership for workforce success with MCCCD helps make high-quality education accessible for everyone in our community.

View the virtual MCCC Heroes of Education award program in its entirety.

Investing in the Cybersecurity Workforce of the Future

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 16:26:00 -0500

Hardly a day goes by without media or companies reporting on a new cyberattack. Whether it is spyware, malware, or stolen data, information and privacy is constantly at risk. Now more than ever, understanding and preventing hackers and cyberthieves from infiltrating computers and connected technology is critical. As a result, cybersecurity employees are in high demand.

With the help of a $4 million investment from State Farm^®, Illinois State University launched a cybersecurity major and is preparing students for this fast growing career field.

This charitable grant helped establish the Cybersecurity Center on campus, providing laboratory workspace and student collaboration areas for students in the School of Information Technology. The investment also created an Endowed Chair of Cybersecurity position. The important leadership position helps with recruiting and retaining the highest quality faculty for the department.

Earlier this month, ISU President Larry Dietz announced the selection of Dr. Shaoen Wu as the inaugural State Farm Endowed Chair of Cybersecurity in the School of Information Technology.

“Illinois State’s cybersecurity program is a true point of pride,” said President Larry Dietz. “The State Farm Endowed Chair position enables Illinois State to establish a reputation of strength and perpetuity in an increasingly vital field.”

~ Read the full story from ISU.

College Students Paying It Forward

Thu, 07 Dec 2017 08:00:00 -0600

It’s finally the weekend! Your average college student might be working, going to parties, catching up on sleep, maybe even a little homework. Amber Whitehead, takes a slightly different path -she spends her weekends paying it forward.

Amber, a State Farm Scholar, attends Georgia State University - Perimeter College in Decatur, GA, a commuter campus. Something she once never thought possible.

“Before my guidance counselor suggested this opportunity to me, I was wondering how I would pay for school and if I would even attend college because of my financial situation,” said Whitehead.

Thanks to the scholarship program, Amber is able go after her dreams…and her passions. “I have a passion for helping others in as many ways as I possibly can. I love giving back and making a change within my community,” remarked Amber.

Part of the expectation of the scholarship is the scholars volunteer within the community. In fact, all 50 scholars volunteered during the annual Hands On Atlanta Day.

On a warm October Saturday with 3,000 other volunteers, they completed 64 projects across metro Atlanta. Projects focused on food insecurity, homelessness, youth development, senior citizen support, and community beautification.

Elaine Hudson, Associate Director with Hands On Atlanta, coordinated the volunteer projects and was particularly impressed with the State Farm Scholars.

“They were energetic, enthusiastic and ready to volunteer. I could tell they wanted to be there; they were eager to help,” said Elaine.

The scholars volunteered at schools in Decatur where the majority of students are on free or reduced lunches. Fifteen scholars worked at Southwest DeKalb High School where they built a community garden and picnic tables. The other 35 scholars were at Columbia Elementary School where they painted and landscaped. Many of the scholars are alumni of the two schools.

“Even though I graduated from another high school, I was always helping out at Southwest DeKalb throughout my years in high school. I consider it my second school,” shared Amber.

The scholars don’t just volunteer one day a year. They adopted a Boys & Girls Club in South DeKalb County where they help with homework and tutoring being in Spring 2018.

As for Amber, she wants to make it her life’s work to continue giving back – as a teacher. Her first goal is to get a Bachelor’s degree and teach high school mathematics. Then, onward and upward, ultimately obtaining a Master’s degree and becoming a college professor.

“My mother, a single parent, has always stressed to me the importance of education,” Amber said. “If it were not for State Farm, I would not be in college at this very moment heading to success.”