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PepsiCo donates semi-trailer truck to HCC Heavy Vehicle, Diesel and Industrial Technology program

Oct 22, 2025

Houston City College (HCC) Northeast will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony to announce the donation of a Class 8 semi-truck by PepsiCo to HCC’s Heavy Vehicle, Diesel and Industrial Technology program. The event is Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the HCC Northline Campus, 8001 Fulton Street.

The gift is the latest significant investment in the ongoing partnership between Houston City College, PepsiCo, the PepsiCo Foundation and the HCC Foundation through the PepsiCo Foundation Uplift Scholarship program that supports underserved students in their pursuit of valuable credentials in high-demand fields.

The Class 8 truck, known as a tractor-trailer or semi-truck, is a heavy-duty vehicle used for hauling large trailers and cargo over long distances. Such trucks are essential for industries that rely on large-scale shipping and logistics and are equipped with powerful engines and advanced systems to handle the demands of long-haul commercial freight transportation.

The PepsiCo truck will support HCC diesel technology students — including PepsiCo Foundation Scholars — as they gain hands-on experience diagnosing and repairing high-tech, computer-controlled systems.

"We are deeply grateful to PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation for this incredible donation, which will provide our students with invaluable, practical learning experiences," said HCC Northeast College President Betty Fortune, Ed.D. "This partnership reflects our shared commitment to supporting the next generation of skilled professionals in transportation.”

“The PepsiCo Foundation is proud to partner with Houston City College and community colleges nationwide to help students overcome economic barriers and prepare for high-skill, high-wage careers in their communities,” said C.D. Glin, president, PepsiCo Foundation and Global Head of Social Impact at PepsiCo Inc. “By providing advanced trucks and technology, we’re creating hands-on learning opportunities that mirror the systems in PepsiCo’s modern fleet. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to equipping HCC students with the skills and experience they need to succeed and thrive.”

The PepsiCo Foundation Scholarship program provides financial and mentoring support for community college students, including students at HCC. The scholarships are available to students attending one of the HCC campuses and studying advanced manufacturing, information technology, business administration, logistics and supply chain management, mechatronics, industrial technology or transportation.

In addition to financial support, the PepsiCo Foundation Scholarship program offers students wrap-around services including dedicated coaches, access to emergency grants, financial literacy courses and other resources to support them on their educational journey. Since 2020, the PepsiCo Foundation has awarded $1.4 million to the HCC Foundation to support hundreds of HCC students.

For more information about the event, contact Sheron Bruno, HCC Northeast communications director at 713-718-8404 or sheron.bruno@hccs.edu.