New SEMA Program Supports Automotive Education

New SEMA Program Supports Automotive Education

As part of the pilot program, high school students will oversee and execute an entire project vehicle, including tracking time, expenses and associated resources, using a used vehicle purchased and donated by SEMA.

SEMA has launched a new program designed to support and engage high school students in the automotive hobby. As part of the pilot program, high school students will oversee and execute an entire project vehicle, including tracking time, expenses and associated resources, using a used vehicle purchased and donated by SEMA. The project will create a self-sustaining program with the completed vehicle sold to raise money for the purchase of another vehicle that can be used for a similar project the following school year.

“Our hope is that the one-time purchase and vehicle donation will initiate an ongoing program at the school and allow hundreds of students to participate over the years,” said Wade Kawasaki, SEMA board of directors chairman. “We are optimistic and excited about this program and look forward to seeing what the students accomplish.”

The pilot program began last month with the delivery of a 2015 4WD Jeep Wrangler Unlimited to students at the Santa Fe Early College Opportunities (ECO) Auto Shop Program in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Students have begun with identifying priorities and creating a plan for the project, which will be sold by the end of the school year in May 2018.

“The Santa Fe ECO is dedicated to training and preparing students for careers in the automotive industry,” said Chris Coriz, auto collision technology instructor. “Having an actual vehicle to work on is incredibly valuable. We’re excited and appreciative to SEMA for supporting our program.”

SEMA continues to support the project and is helping to secure parts donations and volunteers to serve as mentors to the students. Those interested in supporting the project or who want more details should contact Zane Clark, SEMA senior education director, at [email protected].

As one of several SEMA programs designed to support and encourage youths in the automotive industry, SEMA hopes to be able to replicate the program at high schools throughout the country.

You May Also Like

Auto Care Association Certified as a Great Place to Work

“This prestigious award is a testament to the association’s commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive and dynamic work environment for its employees,” Auto Care said.

Auto Care Great Place to Work

The Auto Care Association announced it has been certified as a Great Place to Work.

“This prestigious award is a testament to the association’s commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive and dynamic work environment for its employees,” Auto Care said in a news release.

With a remarkable 95% of employees affirming that the Auto Care Association is a great place to work, the organization stands out significantly above the national average. This recognition is based on direct feedback from employees, provided as part of the Great Place to Work’s rigorous, data-driven methodology.

NTEA Installs Jason Ritchey as 60th Board Chair

Ritchey has spent nearly 25 years in the work truck industry, and has served as president and owner of Curry Supply Co. since 2011.

NTEA Board Installs Jason Ritchey as 60th Board Chair
YANG Holds Regional Meetup in Conjunction with CAWA Forum

Sponsored by GB Remanufacturing, the event took place on Feb. 22 at the Silverado Resort & Spa in Napa, California.

YANG Regional Meetup
MEMA Welcomes Susan Pase in Strategic Retainer Agreement

Pase’s expertise spans many areas, including navigating industry trends, formulating strategies and increasing customer engagement.

MEMA Welcomes Susan Pase in Strategic Retainer Agreement
MEMA Celebrates 120th Anniversary

MEMA said the milestone “underscores the association’s enduring legacy and its pivotal role in advancing the future of mobility and the interests of vehicle suppliers.”

Other Posts

Registration for ACC Annual Meeting Open

Early bird registration is open for the Automotive Communications Council’s 2024 meeting from May 21-23 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Automotive-Communications-Council-2024-Meeting
Auto Care Association Expands Demand Index Product Coverage

It announced the release of 25 new product lines, as well as the addition of Annual Unit Volumes for 15 Demand Index Product Groups.

Auto Care Association Expands Demand Index Product Coverage
MEMA Vision Conference to Feature ‘3 Dragons’ and ‘4 Bulls’

The session returns in 2024 to feature a 360-degree view of the aftermarket through the lens of an economic expert, Wall Street professional and seasoned aftermarket analyst.

MEMA Vision Conference to Feature '3 Dragons' and '4 Bulls'
MEMA Aftermarket’s BTC Names Executive Committee for 2024

Jim Naso, applications data manager at Continental ContiTech Power Transmission Group, will serve as MEMA Aftermarket’s Business Technology Council chair in 2024.

MEMA Business Tech Council Awards