Tuition Assistance Program - Direct Bill

• The program pays your eligible tuition and fees directly to your school, eliminating the need for you to pay out-of-pocket and wait for reimbursement.
   
• Eligible book expenses will be reimbursed.

Community College Tuition Program

• The Community College Tuition Program (CCTP) provides financial assistance to employees pursuing company approved degree programs at Community Colleges.
   
• State Farm has partnered with Rio Salado College, enabling any employee to pursue a Company-approved associate degree online regardless of where they live.
   

Industry-Leading Benefit Limits

While most tuition assistance programs max out at around $5,250, State Farm pays $7500 per year for undergraduate courses and $10,000 per year for graduate courses.

Success Stories

“I used the tuition assistance program for my master’s degree. Honestly, I wouldn’t have done it without the State Farm tuition assistance program. It would have been way too much money for me to handle on top of my student loans from my undergraduate degree. I was able to get my master’s in organization leadership with a concentration in management.” – Krissi Banks, Underwriting Support Services Supervisor

“I'm currently pursuing my Master's in Human Resources Management at Capella University. I held out a long time on pursuing a master's simply because I didn't want to acquire additional student loan debt. I'm so very grateful for the State Farm tuition assistance program because it helped me pursue one of my personal goals.” – Nickita Williams, Workforce Management

“The State Farm tuition assistance program changed my life. I was working in a para-professional role when my team introduced me to the program. I got started, took my time with classes, and finished my degree, graduating magna cum laude. Within a few months of graduation, I was promoted to a professional-technical role and later to a leadership position. My education gave me the confidence to pursue opportunities that seemed out of reach before earning my degree.” – Jenny Lane, Technology Analyst

After 11 years of hope and heartache and three miscarried babies, Stacie Wylie cried tears of joy when she saw her son’s heartbeat on the ultrasound monitor. But 14 weeks into her pregnancy, a nurse called her in tears. “I immediately thought the worst, ‘He’s stillborn,’” said Stacie.

Her fears of worse news turned to relief when she heard the nurse say, “I’m so sorry to tell you, but there is a strong likelihood your son has Down syndrome.” Stacie thought, “He’s breathing?! He’s alive! Down syndrome? Okay, we’ll figure that out.”

“From that call on, I immediately began researching Down syndrome and contacted local organizations that provided educational resources and support,” said Stacie, a Corporate Responsibility analyst. “I have met the most amazing tribe of parents and the most loving, non-judgmental children and adults you could ever imagine.”

Once a stranger to stimming, sensory meltdowns and hypertonia, Stacie quickly jumped into a world with speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, ENTs, cardiologists and orthotic specialists. Once someone who might roll her eyes if a child had a “temper tantrum” at the grocery store, she became someone to give a compassionate eye to a mom and wonder if the child was overwhelmed by the lights and sounds in the store.

New Perspectives at Work

These new perspectives and learnings found their way into Stacie’s role at State Farm^®. In her six years in leadership, she has coached and mentored a variety of associates, working with individuals with dyslexia, Turrets syndrome, anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism.

“Each of these individuals struggled in their own way to acclimate to State Farm’s culture and/or work expectations. Outside of my parenting experience, I realized I had no formal training to help individuals with cognitive differences succeed in the workplace, so I started looking for resources,” she said.

She decided to do formal training by first completing her Chartered Special Needs Consultant (ChSNC) designation. She completed an introductory course about disabilities and learned techniques to help families prepare for financial security.

“This was by far my favorite designation and further piqued my interest in working with the special needs community.”

She also joined the Advocacy for Disabilities and Education (ADE) Employee Resource Group. ADE provides informational classes and organizes events to raise awareness about different disabilities.

But she still wanted to learn more. In 2017, State Farm started the Community College Tuition Program that offers an array of certificates and associate’s degrees with no out-of-pocket cost to State Farm employees. Stacie learned about a Developmental Disabilities Specialist Certificate program offered at Glendale Community College.

“This certificate wasn’t on the approved degrees list, but I knew it would help me grow in my career and personal life, so I submitted a business case, and it was approved. After completing the course, I brought my learnings to the workplace. For example, when working with individuals on the Autism spectrum, I am more mindful not to change our one-on-one schedules, and I use very literal language to avoid confusion.”

Pursuing education while working full time and raising her son was not easy, but it was worth it.

“The sacrifice of time and sleep has made me a better and more informed parent, community member and leader. I am so grateful to work for a company like State Farm that invests in its employees and helps people of all abilities find meaningful employment.”

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A new career brings many emotions: excitement, anticipation, hope, and for some, anxiety. A world of possibilities awaits, but how does an employee navigate their journey successfully? For State Farm Technology Executive DeWayne Griffin, the answer lies in two words: professional development.

“My State Farm journey began with an internship in 2000 before starting full-time in 2001. I was young, wide-eyed and determined. I let my leadership aspirations be known, which led to my involvement in the Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF),” said DeWayne. “To this day, I attribute much of my success to this incredible organization.”

Formed in 1996, ITSMF increases the representation of black professionals at senior levels in technology to impact organizational innovation and growth. State Farm has a long history with ITSMF, with a goal to reach, teach and cultivate aspiring technology professionals.

“ITSMF began with a conversation between tech execs who found only 3 percent of information technology management roles were being held by black professionals,” DeWayne explained. “The moment I walked into my first ITSMF Management Academy meeting, I was shocked. For the first time in my life, the room was filled with technology professionals who looked like me.”

Over the span of a decade, 24 State Farm leaders have graduated from ITSMF leadership academies. From 2019-2020, 80 State Farm IT professionals embraced the opportunity to take onsite ITSMF classes at State Farm corporate facilities.

“When the company learned about this organization, it recognized the need to increase representation of black professionals at all levels in IT and got involved,” said State Farm Technology Director Collette Fung. “For me, ITSMF was an exhale moment. I saw people at levels I wanted to be and it affirmed I can get there too.”

A member of ITSMF, Collette is also a founding member of the ITSMF EMERGE Academy. The competitive development experience specifically designed for women of color supports the progression of authentic, knowledgeable and conscious technology leaders. In 2020, Yolanda Brumfield and Sharon C Johnson Lake of State Farm graduated from the EMERGE Academy. Additionally, State Farm employees Kentrica Coleman and Jhay Davis are 2020 ITSMF Management Academy graduates - a rigorous program designed to sharpen IT leadership skills and competencies.

The Journey Continues:

In July 2020, State Farm received national recognition when it was named ITSMF Partner of the Year for its ongoing commitment to support employee professional development. Retired State Farm Executive Duane Farrington received the Digital Innovator Award for championing creative tech solutions. And, out of an esteemed group of 200 candidates, DeWayne Griffin was named ITSMF Member of the Year, a coveted award honoring his steadfast mentorship, advocacy and leadership.

“I’m humbled by this honor,” said DeWayne. “But my story doesn’t stop here. Because of ITSMF relationships, educational programs and symposiums, I’m continuing to grow as a leader. At State Farm I’m applying the strategies I learn to invest in our technology, help our customers and prepare for what’s to come.”

“I’m thankful to work for an organization that supports professional development opportunities,” added Collette. “When State Farm invests in me, I’m better for them. On this adventure called life, remember you’re in control of your development. Reach out, let your goals be known, work hard for what you want and lift others up. Your dreams will be realized.”

To learn more about State Farm or its IT career opportunities, visit: https://www.statefarm.com/careers

Hear From the Graduates:

“Through EMERGE I have been equipped with the tools I needed to be bold and take more chances, strategize to win and take my seat at the table, use my voice to invoke change and influence, and pay it forward. The journey over the last year has laid the foundation for me to be comfortable leaning into my energy, that safe space where I can experience life, and choose what defines me and embrace each moment. I’ve learned that I am worthy of the life I am wishing for.”

– Sharon C Johnson Lake, State Farm ITSMF EMERGE Academy graduate

“My experience with the ITSMF Management academy has been transformative. As I reflect over the past year, I have learned more about myself, my leadership style and my strengths. I will continue to leverage the techniques I learned to provide greater impact to the organization and the teams I lead.”

– Kentrica Coleman, State Farm ITSMF Management Academy graduate

“Through EMERGE, I experienced a shift enabling the most growth in my area of strengths! As a transformational leader, I’ve learned to embrace the power of vulnerability and how to effectively manage my energy so I’m able to give my best.”

– Yolanda Brumfield, State Farm ITSMF EMERGE Academy graduate

“The opportunity to learn alongside professionals from other Fortune 50 companies provided a valuable and expanded perspective into being a leader. Providing a developmental experience that not only focused on academics but also an enhanced sense of self opened the door to helping me become a more balanced leader.”

– Jhay Davis, State Farm ITSMF Management Academy graduate

“My State Farm journey began with an internship in 2000 before starting full-time in 2001. I was young, wide-eyed and determined. I let my leadership aspirations be known, which led to my involvement in the Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF),” said DeWayne. “To this day, I attribute much of my success to this incredible organization.”

Formed in 1996, ITSMF increases the representation of black professionals at senior levels in technology to impact organizational innovation and growth. State Farm has a long history with ITSMF, with a goal to reach, teach and cultivate aspiring technology professionals.

“ITSMF began with a conversation between tech execs who found only 3 percent of information technology management roles were being held by black professionals,” DeWayne explained. “The moment I walked into my first ITSMF Management Academy meeting, I was shocked. For the first time in my life, the room was filled with technology professionals who looked like me.”

Over the span of a decade, 24 State Farm leaders have graduated from ITSMF leadership academies. From 2019-2020, 80 State Farm IT professionals embraced the opportunity to take onsite ITSMF classes at State Farm corporate facilities.

“When the company learned about this organization, it recognized the need to increase representation of black professionals at all levels in IT and got involved,” said State Farm Technology Director Collette Fung. “For me, ITSMF was an exhale moment. I saw people at levels I wanted to be and it affirmed I can get there too.”

A member of ITSMF, Collette is also a founding member of the ITSMF EMERGE Academy. The competitive development experience specifically designed for women of color supports the progression of authentic, knowledgeable and conscious technology leaders. In 2020, Yolanda Brumfield and Sharon C Johnson Lake of State Farm graduated from the EMERGE Academy. Additionally, State Farm employees Kentrica Coleman and Jhay Davis are 2020 ITSMF Management Academy graduates - a rigorous program designed to sharpen IT leadership skills and competencies.

The Journey Continues:

In July 2020, State Farm received national recognition when it was named ITSMF Partner of the Year for its ongoing commitment to support employee professional development. Retired State Farm Executive Duane Farrington received the Digital Innovator Award for championing creative tech solutions. And, out of an esteemed group of 200 candidates, DeWayne Griffin was named ITSMF Member of the Year, a coveted award honoring his steadfast mentorship, advocacy and leadership.

“I’m humbled by this honor,” said DeWayne. “But my story doesn’t stop here. Because of ITSMF relationships, educational programs and symposiums, I’m continuing to grow as a leader. At State Farm I’m applying the strategies I learn to invest in our technology, help our customers and prepare for what’s to come.”

“I’m thankful to work for an organization that supports professional development opportunities,” added Collette. “When State Farm invests in me, I’m better for them. On this adventure called life, remember you’re in control of your development. Reach out, let your goals be known, work hard for what you want and lift others up. Your dreams will be realized.”

To learn more about State Farm or its IT career opportunities, visit: https://www.statefarm.com/careers

Hear From the Graduates:

“Through EMERGE I have been equipped with the tools I needed to be bold and take more chances, strategize to win and take my seat at the table, use my voice to invoke change and influence, and pay it forward. The journey over the last year has laid the foundation for me to be comfortable leaning into my energy, that safe space where I can experience life, and choose what defines me and embrace each moment. I’ve learned that I am worthy of the life I am wishing for.”

– Sharon C Johnson Lake, State Farm ITSMF EMERGE Academy graduate

“My experience with the ITSMF Management academy has been transformative. As I reflect over the past year, I have learned more about myself, my leadership style and my strengths. I will continue to leverage the techniques I learned to provide greater impact to the organization and the teams I lead.”

– Kentrica Coleman, State Farm ITSMF Management Academy graduate

“Through EMERGE, I experienced a shift enabling the most growth in my area of strengths! As a transformational leader, I’ve learned to embrace the power of vulnerability and how to effectively manage my energy so I’m able to give my best.”

– Yolanda Brumfield, State Farm ITSMF EMERGE Academy graduate

“The opportunity to learn alongside professionals from other Fortune 50 companies provided a valuable and expanded perspective into being a leader. Providing a developmental experience that not only focused on academics but also an enhanced sense of self opened the door to helping me become a more balanced leader.”

– Jhay Davis, State Farm ITSMF Management Academy graduate

Join the conversation on Yammer!

Imagine waking up and seeing a person in head-to-toe scrubs, face shield, mask, pants tucked into boots, and having no recollection of what happened or how you got to the hospital. And all during the COVID-19 pandemic.

That was Michelle Beedle’s reality recently. She started having seizures around age 40, but it had been about two years since her last episode. She mistakenly thought she was in the clear. Michelle lives alone, but luckily when this seizure occurred, she was on a call with her colleague, Bre Martin.

The two have worked together for almost a year as administrative assistants in Agency Services. The friendship and camaraderie could easily be heard between the two.

“Bre Martin is my Yoda. She's my go-to girl. Bre knows where to find the answer. She's the most experienced on our team. She holds all that knowledge and doesn't mind sharing it,” Michelle said.

Their team has a daily morning call, and afterward, Michelle pinged Bre asking to get on an individual call because she wasn’t feeling well.

“Michelle called me and I started rambling, and then all the sudden I could tell the headset had fallen and there was a rumbling. I know she has cats so maybe, I thought, she had gotten up to get one of them,” Bre explained. “I remember saying ‘Michelle, Michelle?’ And she wasn't answering. It dawned on me that she probably had a seizure. She'd been vocal about the seizure she had a couple years ago. I was afraid she had fallen and hit her head.”

So Bre called 911 on her cell phone while continuing to stay on the Skype call with Michelle. Luckily, Michelle had the idea to gather all their team members’ addresses a short time before her incident, so Bre knew where to send the ambulance when she called.

Since Bre knew Michelle’s history with seizures she was able to provide that important information to the dispatcher.

“I stayed on the Skype call and I stayed on with the dispatcher. I heard the knock on the door from the paramedics, then I heard her speak. It was the first I had heard her speak in about 10 minutes. She said ‘hello, who is it?’ She sounded disoriented.

“I was so grateful I was on the call with her.”

Their manager reported the incident to HR so Michelle’s emergency contact would be notified.

Michelle has no recollection of the event, but was light-hearted about it.

“Most important lesson is even if you're sheltering at home, it might be a good idea to put your clothes on every day. I was in a nightgown. I since have put my clothes on every day,” she said with a laugh.

“The hospital staff was so kind and so nice. I wasn't there for COVID or anything like that. It's the people observing it and taking care of you who get the brunt of the seizure and it's scary.”

Both Michelle and Bre said communication is key during this time.

“I've been trying to check in with everyone a little more frequently. If I hadn't been on the phone with Michelle we wouldn't have known. Who knows how long she could have been laying there?” Bre said.

That was Michelle Beedle’s reality recently. She started having seizures around age 40, but it had been about two years since her last episode. She mistakenly thought she was in the clear. Michelle lives alone, but luckily when this seizure occurred, she was on a call with her colleague, Bre Martin.

The two have worked together for almost a year as administrative assistants at State Farm^®:. The friendship and camaraderie could easily be heard between the two.

“Bre Martin is my Yoda. She's my go-to girl. Bre knows where to find the answer. She's the most experienced on our team. She holds all that knowledge and doesn't mind sharing it,” Michelle said.

Their team has a daily morning call, and afterward, Michelle pinged Bre asking to get on an individual call because she wasn’t feeling well.

“Michelle called me and I started rambling, and then all the sudden I could tell the headset had fallen and there was a rumbling. I know she has cats so maybe, I thought, she had gotten up to get one of them,” Bre explained. “I remember saying ‘Michelle, Michelle?’ And she wasn't answering. It dawned on me that she probably had a seizure. She'd been vocal about the seizure she had a couple years ago. I was afraid she had fallen and hit her head.”

So Bre called 911 on her cell phone while continuing to stay on the Skype call with Michelle. Luckily, Michelle had the idea to gather all their team members’ addresses a short time before her incident, so Bre knew where to send the ambulance when she called.

Since Bre knew Michelle’s history with seizures she was able to provide that important information to the dispatcher.

“I stayed on the Skype call and I stayed on with the dispatcher. I heard the knock on the door from the paramedics, then I heard her speak. It was the first I had heard her speak in about 10 minutes. She said ‘hello, who is it?’ She sounded disoriented.

“I was so grateful I was on the call with her.”

Their manager reported the incident to HR so Michelle’s emergency contact would be notified.

Michelle has no recollection of the event, but was light-hearted about it.

“Most important lesson is even if you're sheltering at home, it might be a good idea to put your clothes on every day. I was in a nightgown. I since have put my clothes on every day,” she said with a laugh.

“The hospital staff was so kind and so nice. I wasn't there for COVID or anything like that. It's the people observing it and taking care of you who get the brunt of the seizure and it's scary.”

Both Michelle and Bre said communication is key during this time.

“I've been trying to check in with everyone a little more frequently. If I hadn't been on the phone with Michelle we wouldn't have known. Who knows how long she could have been laying there?” Bre said.