PepsiCo donates semi truck to Ivy Tech Community College’s Diesel Technology program

Ivy Tech Community College has received a large donation from PepsiCo: a semi truck. The semi truck, also known as a Class 8 vehicle, was given to Ivy Tech Community College’s Indiana campus for its Diesel Technology program. The donation is the latest in a longstanding series in the partnership between Ivy Tech Community College, PepsiCo, and the PepsiCo Foundation.

According to an article on Ivy Tech Community College’s website, Dr. Stacy Atkinson, who serves as the chancellor of the Indianapolis campus, shared her gratitude for the donation. Atkinson is quoted as saying, "We are deeply grateful to PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation for this incredible donation, which will provide our students with invaluable, practical learning experiences. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to supporting the next generation of skilled professionals in transportation and logistics — two of Indiana’s high-growth, high-income industries.”

The semi truck will be used in the Diesel Technology program, serving as the object upon which students can diagnose and repair its computer systems. Indiana is experiencing a higher demand for diesel technicians, so having access to a PepsiCo truck will allow Ivy Tech students the hands-on training they need to fill these necessary roles.

Jamelle Lacey, the senior manager of the PepsiCo Foundation, said, “The PepsiCo Foundation is proud to partner with Ivy Tech and community colleges across the nation to help students break down economic barriers and access high-skill, high-wage jobs in their communities. This donation is one way we can ensure students gain hands-on experience with advanced electronic systems like those found in PepsiCo’s modern, heavy to severe duty trucks. We are excited to see the positive impact this donation will have on the futures of Ivy Tech students.” 

PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation have been working with Ivy Tech Community College since 2021 when the Foundation launched its Uplift Scholars program and chose Ivy Tech Community College to be one of the institutions to administer the Uplift Scholarships. Uplift Scholarships are meant to give community college students the financial support they need to continue their education. The scholarships are available at six of Ivy Tech Community College’s campuses, including Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Lafayette, Marion, Muncie, and South Bend, for students in the following programs: advanced manufacturing, business administration, industrial technology, information technology, logistics and supply chain management, mechatronics, or transportation.

To date, more than 220 Ivy Tech students have received Uplift Scholarship to the tune of $530,000.

For more information about Ivy Tech Community College, visit the school’s website.