The Situation: Continuing Educational Excellence
Southwestern Community College (SCC) is one of the top-ranked community colleges nationwide. With over 40 degree programs and a scientific partnership with NASA, SCC is committed to student success. In partnership with Duke Energy, the school has added a new offering: Electric Vehicle Education, powered by Switch Vehicles Inc.
The adoption of this EV program dovetails with increased state-level interest and investment. According to the Electrification Coalition, North Carolina has seen more than $20 billion in EV investments in battery production and charging infrastructure development. Data from the state Department of Transportation (DOT), meanwhile, reports that as of October 2025, there were more than 135,000 zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) registered in North Carolina. These improvements, among other developments, led to a significant increase in hybrid and EV sales over the past 4 years.
The Challenge: Evolving Industry Expectations
Electric vehicles have come a long way. According to SCC Automotive Instructor David Myers, “we’ve lost some of the weight, and the range has increased. Many people charge them at home.”
The result is a growing need for technicians who can service gas-powered, hybrid, and electric vehicles. While Southwestern Community College has several gas and hybrid vehicles that can be dismantled, Myers notes that “students don’t care about a car you can take apart.” Instead, they’re looking for the full experience, something that lets them see their work in action.
The Solution: Making the Switch
Southwestern Community College first encountered the Switch Vehicles at local events and demos hosted by other schools. “We started talking to the owner of the company,” says Myers, “and we did some research. It was something we could build and test.”
To help cover the cost, SCC applied for a grant with Duke Energy. “It’s part of the Work Ready NC program,” says Dr. Don Tomas, President of Southwestern. “When you get to the bigger cities, they have large programs and multiple options. In rural areas, we need these grants to provide these opportunities. That’s why partnerships with companies like Duke Energy are so valuable to us.”
Myers notes that the Switch Lab EV is part of a larger shift. “Four to five years ago, there wasn’t much out there. Now it’s a lot easier for a program to get up and running. Switch offers a total package if you need it. You have the kits, the cars, and the trainers. There’s even a tabletop version to help get you started.”
The Results: Building a Better Experience
Students work their way up to the Switch Lab EV. “We do an intro course in the first year. The Switch Lab is the second year,” says Myers. “It’s more in-depth since they’ve already had electrical classes. Instead of tearing down the car, we’re building a car you can drive.”
Student experience reflects the benefits of the Switch Lab EV program. “Working on the Switch car has been a very educational experience because it has allowed me to see how what we learn in class gets applied in the real world,” says SCC student Felipe Hernandez. “There is a drastic difference between theory and applied science, so it was very helpful building a car while we were learning about EVs in class.”
When it comes to the ongoing impact of the Switch Lab EV program, Myers puts it simply: “By expanding our footprint and launching a specialized EV training lab space using the Switch car, I think that we are directly addressing the critical shortage of electric vehicle technicians in our rural community. This investment ensures our program remains a leader in workforce development while providing our students with a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving industry, no matter where they end up working across the region.”
As North Carolina continues to deploy modern energy infrastructure and meet the needs of a growing state, Duke Energy Foundation is investing in programs that will build the next generation workforce and create access to training and job skills that fit community needs.
“As our state and industry continue to grow, North Carolina’s community colleges are helping us meet the moment,” said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy’s North Carolina president. “As technologies change and we modernize our energy fleet, we want talent here in the state to help us support our communities and build a smarter energy future for customers.”
Find Out More: Switch Vehicle Education Solutions
Schools across the country are building comprehensive, integrated EV Pathways with Switch Vehicles curriculum. By combining foundational labs with full vehicles, schools can create a scalable, industry-aligned program. Start with the Relay Lab to introduce circuits and wiring fundamentals, followed by the Battery Lab to expand on wiring theory and skills. Add the Electric Systems Lab to bring together low- and high-voltage systems work and components, plus an introduction to battery management, configuration, and more. Educators can develop a program to assess student competency step by step. Programs can culminate in The Switch Lab EV capstone experience or integrate the fully assembled Switch EV Trainer for mobile, high-voltage instruction and ASE xEV exam preparation.
If you are ready to expand your CTE or STEM offerings with a structured, safety-focused EV education platform, contact Switch Vehicles to design a solution aligned with your program goals and workforce outcomes.
