Collin College and State Farm: Nurturing Community and Education through Partnership

For the past eight years, State Farm has been a strategic partner with the Collin College Foundation to enhance educational access and community engagement throughout Collin County. State Farm’s decision to collaborate with Collin College stemmed from a shared belief in the transformative power of education.

“At State Farm, our mission is to help people,” Corporate Responsibility Analyst Princella McNair said. “We believe everyone deserves an education that empowers them to reach their greatest potential.” 

This foundational belief underpins State Farm’s multifaceted partnership with Collin College, which focuses on creating opportunities for education and career development.

The partnership itself was strategically established to leverage Collin College’s proximity to State Farm’s corporate offices and hubs, facilitating collaborations that benefit both entities and the broader community. 

“These relationships go beyond financial support,” she added. “They are about increasing engagement and making a sustainable impact.”

Over nearly a decade, Collin College has played a crucial role in various State Farm initiatives. One standout program is the Community College Tuition Program, which provides financial assistance to State Farm employees pursuing higher education at community colleges. This initiative not only supports professional growth but also underscores the commitment to removing financial barriers to education. This includes a childcare program for individuals who need that service while seeking higher education.

The partnership with Collin College holds significance for State Farm. 

“Building community and impacting lives is our common goal,” McNair said. 

Through initiatives such as the Science Under the Stars STEM Festival, which State Farm sponsored and at which nearly 100 State Farm employees volunteered, the partnership enriches the community by inspiring future generations in science and education. 

Looking ahead, State Farm envisions higher education evolving to meet changing needs, particularly in response to technological advancements and global shifts such as the pandemic. By working together with industry partners, higher education can adapt quickly so lifelong learning remains accessible and effective. In fact, one program encourages people to earn the college degree they started but did not finish. 

 “State Farm assists students who have attended Collin College in the past but haven’t attended in over a semester and are six hours or less away from graduation,” said Dr. Bill Horstman, associate dean of Student and Enrollment Services at Collin College. “For these students, a Collin College degree is within reach because the program allows them to complete their degree with tuition and fees covered.”

McNair expresses her gratitude for the ongoing collaboration with the Collin College Foundation and Collin College, noting how it has become an important relationship that benefits students, employees, and the community at large. 

“I am an advocate for higher education,” she said, “and State Farm’s support makes it seamless for employees to pursue their educational goals.” 

State Farm deserves commendation for being a champion for education and community impact.

 Former students who believe they may qualify for a State Farm degree completion scholarship at Collin College or who would like more information about the State Farm partnership, are encouraged to contact Dr. Horstman at bhorstman@collin.edu or 972.377.1077.