LIFT Central Illinois recently received a donation from Ameren Illinois Market Development Initiative (MDI) to support and expand its HVAC, Green Energy, & Robotics Program. At the December 9, 2025 Mattoon CUSD #2 board meeting, the Board approved the acceptance of a $49,533.60 equipment donation for the EV Technologies course.
The donation includes five MSTEM3 electric kart kits along with all associated tooling, spare parts, assembly stands, and data collection equipment. The karts will be used in the EV Technologies course to expand hands-on learning opportunities and increase student access to lab-based instruction.
HVAC, Green Energy, and Robotics Facilitator Dan Compton said the donation will significantly enhance the student experience and bring new energy to the program.
“We are fortunate to have great partners like Ameren Illinois that believe in and see the importance and value of what we do here,” Compton said. “The donation will allow us to expand the EV Technologies course and provide more opportunities for more students. Building these karts in the lab here at LIFT is going to be an exciting and challenging adventure, not just for the students, but for me as well. I cannot thank Ameren Illinois enough for being a supporter at the level they are. With their generosity, we are changing what Career and Technical Education (CTE) looks like.”
Ameren Illinois representative Mark Minden, Efficient Electrification and Product Development Executive, said the donation is part of Ameren Illinois' Market Development Initiative and reflects the company’s commitment to education and workforce development.
“Ameren Illinois is proud to donate these EV karts to LIFT through our Market Development Initiative,” Minden said. “LIFT is doing tremendous work to equip our region’s young people with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in tomorrow’s workforce. By supporting this hands-on EV program, we’re helping students gain real-world experience in a fast-growing field and encouraging the next generation of innovators who will drive the future of electric transportation.”
Ameren Illinois’ Market Development Initiative focuses on three core goals intended to incorporate equity throughout the program. These goals include expanding access to clean energy programs that reduce energy burden for income eligible and income qualified communities, increasing opportunities for local vendors and suppliers, and supporting workforce development by connecting candidates with clean energy careers through education, training, and community partnerships.
