State Farm Celebrates 100th Year Anniversary
The University of Illinois is excited to wish State Farm a happy 100-year anniversary! The State Farm Companies Foundation® made a significant impact on our campus through their investment in our students, participating in our interdisciplinary research, and being one of our largest employers. Together, we are consistently able to push the limits of innovation in the digital insurance industry, support first-generation and diverse students in Illinois, and respond to climate change risks. We are thankful to the Foundation for offering our students the opportunity to realize their dreams and make a positive impact on the world!
Scholarship Support
The State Farm Companies Foundation’s generous gifts to support various Illinois Scholarships have changed the lives of many Illini. By removing the financial roadblock that otherwise would have kept students from following their educational dreams, the Foundation has helped countless students broaden opportunities through access to education. One significant area of donation is to Illinois Promise, a scholarship that provides support to the students of greatest financial need at the University of Illinois. Through this gift, the State Farm Companies Foundation has changed the lives of many outstanding young men and women, giving them the opportunity to pursue their educational dreams.
In addition, substantial contributions have been made to the Actuarial Science Scholarship Fund. Through scholarships and an exam fee reimbursement program, the Actuarial Science Program has significantly increased its quality and size. Furthermore, the Foundation has generously funded computer science scholarships designed to reward incoming freshmen from underrepresented groups who show exceptional academic promise and achievement. In addition to these exciting initiatives, the State Farm Companies Foundation has also made notable contributions to the Edgar Fellows Program and the Siebel Center User Experience Fund. Through these contributions, the Foundation has provided countless students with the footing they need for academic success. The University of Illinois is incredibly grateful for the State Farm Companies Foundation’s generous and unwavering support. From computer science or actuarial scholarships to aiding students most in need, the Foundation helps our students achieve their dreams!
“The State Farm scholarship has absolutely helped improve my peace of mind as a student in this pandemic-affected world. Being able to focus on applying for internships rather than worrying about tuition payments gave me the opportunity to get a full-time job offer before my senior year began. This scholarship has been extremely beneficial to achieving my future goals and I thank State Farm for choosing me as a recipient.” Filip Klapacz, Class of ‘22
Financial Planning Program
State Farm Companies Foundation’s generous support has helped transform our financial planning program from one that is emerging into one that is recognized as a top program by Financial Planning Magazine.
State Farm Research and Development Center
For 17 years, the State Farm® Research and Development Center (RDC) has connected students, faculty and State Farm employees to drive quality, meaningful research, and project work by leveraging fresh perspectives. Opening in 2005, The RDC was established to bring together the talents of UIUC students and staff with the needs of State Farm's P&C Actuarial department. Launching with only 3 full-time employees and 7 interns, State Farm has deepened its campus investment significantly, growing the RDC to 12 full-time staff and launching additional intern programs in software engineering, data science, and research. During 2021, the RDC hosted 175 semester-long internships, executed over 100 semester-long projects, and is now the largest center in the University of Illinois Research Park. Nearly 750 UIUC-based interns have been employed by State Farm since its grand opening and worked on 1,500+ projects related to research and development.
“For 100 years, State Farm has made it our mission to help people. We believe education is critical for healthy, vibrant communities. Through our charitable support of University of Illinois, we are equipping learners for future opportunities and helping them realize their dreams.” -Rasheed Merritt, AVP Public Affairs.