State Farm's Mark Oakley, left, and Duane Farrington, right, announced the grant at Heartland Community College on Thursday. (Photo By Paul Morello/WJBC)

By Paul Morello

NORMAL - State Farm is helping Heartland Community College provide economic assistance to students looking for careers in the technology fields.

Heartland received a $1.5 million grant from the insurer Thursday afternoon.

The funds will be used to provide scholarships for economically disadvantaged students.

"The technology field is so rapidly changing," said Heartland President Allen Goben. "It evolves constantly. So we're focused on not only giving the initial training but the ongoing training and the upgrading of skills."

State Farm Senior Vice President Duane Farrington said the grant benefits both organizations, because State Farm is always looking for a more technologically savvy workforce.

"To help education prepare future employees and associates to understand technology and be prepared to help us is a win-win for us and it is a win-win for this community," he said.

The funds will also benefit Heartland's Guided Path to Success program, which focuses on student success initiatives.

State Farm employs about 800 Heartland graduates.

Paul Morello can be reached at paul@wjbc.com.