Stellantis-Gift-Drives-New-Student-Toolkit-Loan-Program.php

Stellantis Gift Drives New Student Toolkit Loan Program

• Foundation
• 02/13/2026

Automotive students at Rock Valley College (RVC) are required to use professional-grade toolkits for diagnostics, repair, and maintenance training. These kits can range in price from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Purchasing these kits can place substantial financial strain on students who are already managing tuition, living expenses, and other responsibilities. These costs can delay enrollment, interrupt academic progress, or even force students to leave the program altogether.

Thanks to the generosity of Stellantis, a new toolkit loan program is launching at RVC. The College has received a $10,000 gift from Stellantis to establish the program for students enrolled in the College’s Automotive Technology Program. The initiative aims to remove a significant financial barrier for students pursuing careers in the automotive industry.

“We are so proud to partner with Rock Valley College on this automotive toolkit program for their students. Through this donation, we’re investing in the region’s future workforce as we look ahead toward relaunching the Belvidere Assembly Complex in 2027,” said Mike Bennett, Director of State and Local Government Affairs for Stellantis. 

The new loaner program, made possible only through Stellantis’ investment, will allow RVC to purchase specialized toolkits that students can borrow throughout their training. According to RVC Automotive Instructor John Skupien, toolkits can cost up to $2,150, posing a significant financial burden on many students. By providing access to the necessary tools from day one, the College can support student persistence and success, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to enter the industry.

Dr. Howard Spearman, President of Rock Valley College, expressed his appreciation for the partnership. “This project represents more than a financial gift; it reflects a shared commitment to strengthening our region’s automotive workforce. We are grateful to Stellantis for working closely with us to help reduce barriers for our students and create pathways into high-demand technical careers.”

The partnership aligns with two of RVC’s strategic priorities: Access and Exceptional Training Programs. With the assistance of community partners such as Stellantis, the College and its Foundation are ensuring that students can begin their studies without financial obstacles and receive industry-aligned, hands-on training to prepare them better to join our regional workforce.

Brittany Freiberg, Executive Director of the Rock Valley College Foundation, added, “The Rock Valley College Foundation is grateful for Stellantis’ investment in our students and in our region’s automotive talent pipeline. We firmly believe true opportunity begins when barriers are removed, and this generous gift helps level the educational playing field for our automotive students.”

In fall 2026, the Automotive Service Technology program will move from its current location on Samuelson Road to Rock Valley College's new Downtown West Campus in the heart of downtown Rockford. Learn more about the RVC Automotive Service Technology Program by visiting their webpage.