FREEPORT - Highland Community College's auto program received a "nice step up," according to Scott Anderson, dean of Business and Technology. Recently, General Motors donated a 2008 Chevrolet Malibu worth over $20,000, and Skyline Community College added four new Lexus transmissions also valued at $20,000 to the program.
The gold-colored Malibu will remain in HCC's auto shop so students can test the latest technology on vehicles, including the automobile's brake systems, valves, and multitude of sensors. According to Anderson, the Lexus transmissions have high precision, quality, and newness that are one of their greatest assets.
"So much changes regularly," Anderson explained, "We have our hands on the latest technology available. Our students have a unique, real-world ability to physically see, use, and manipulate these transmissions and vehicle. We have greatly expanded our learners' breadth of knowledge which will be a real asset when they enter the workforce."
Jim Palmer, Automotive Technology Instructor, attended a conference early in 2008. While networking, he met with faculty from the Skyline Community College in San Bruno, California. They mentioned they had four Lexus transmissions they would be happy to donate to Highland's auto program.
Highland offers programs in Auto Body Repair (AAS), Basic Automotive Service (Certificate), and Automotive Technology (AAS). In the Auto Body Repair program, mechanics-in-training will use the GM donations to master the fundamentals of repairing vehicles and their components. Basic Automotive Service students will practice working on automatic transmissions and air conditioning, engine performance and repair, suspension and steering, and brakes.
The gold-colored Malibu will remain in HCC's auto shop so students can test the latest technology on vehicles, including the automobile's brake systems, valves, and multitude of sensors. According to Anderson, the Lexus transmissions have high precision, quality, and newness that are one of their greatest assets.
"So much changes regularly," Anderson explained, "We have our hands on the latest technology available. Our students have a unique, real-world ability to physically see, use, and manipulate these transmissions and vehicle. We have greatly expanded our learners' breadth of knowledge which will be a real asset when they enter the workforce."
Jim Palmer, Automotive Technology Instructor, attended a conference early in 2008. While networking, he met with faculty from the Skyline Community College in San Bruno, California. They mentioned they had four Lexus transmissions they would be happy to donate to Highland's auto program.
Highland offers programs in Auto Body Repair (AAS), Basic Automotive Service (Certificate), and Automotive Technology (AAS). In the Auto Body Repair program, mechanics-in-training will use the GM donations to master the fundamentals of repairing vehicles and their components. Basic Automotive Service students will practice working on automatic transmissions and air conditioning, engine performance and repair, suspension and steering, and brakes.
