FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Melissa Utsuki
Executive Director of Communications and External Relations
626-914-8872
mutsuki@citruscollege.edu
Citrus College Automotive Technology Program Receives Generous Donation
Glendora, Calif. (Oct. 1, 2019) – Citrus College received a $10,000 donation from the Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealer Association (GLANCDA) during a special celebration on Sept. 24.
Representatives from Citrus College joined GLANCDA board members for the event, which was held at Bozzani Volkswagen in Covina. The educational and philanthropic organization presented the college with a check in support of its automotive technology program.
"The new car dealers of Los Angeles are committed to helping provide career pathway assistance to student automotive technicians," explained Bob Smith, GLANCDA executive director. "The career opportunities that exist for automotive repair professionals in new car dealerships pay well, and there is a real shortage of incoming technicians, with many aging out of the system."
Citrus College's Automotive Technology program has been recognized as one of the strongest in the nation. With two associate degree and six certificate options, the program provides in-depth training and extensive hands-on experience. Whether a student is interested in finding entry-level employment or advancing in the industry, they receive the skills and specialized knowledge necessary to succeed in their chosen career path.
"I was thrilled to learn that Citrus College's Automotive Technology program was selected to receive a $10,000 donation from the Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealer Association," said Dr. Geraldine M. Perri, superintendent/president of Citrus College. "This award further validates the program's excellent reputation, which its outstanding faculty members have worked so hard to establish. Their commitment to educating future automotive professionals is commendable and has made this recognition possible."
Maintaining excellent relationships with the automotive industry is one way in which the program ensures academic excellence. In addition to working with industry professionals to identify the skills and abilities necessary to secure employment, automotive technology faculty also actively strive to place graduates in jobs.
As a result of the program's ongoing outreach and its long-standing partnerships with local dealerships, GLANCDA members were already familiar with the work being done at Citrus College, and they were instrumental in approving the $10,000 donation. The automotive technology program is planning to use the money to purchase certification kits for on-car brake lathes and tire pressure monitoring systems as part of its participation in the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3). Students who successfully complete the program can emerge with several certifications, including tire and wheel handling, wheel alignment, digital multi-meter usage, scan-tool usage, and torque measurement.
"On behalf of the board of trustees and the college community, I extend my sincere appreciation to GLANCDA for this generous donation, and I congratulate the automotive technology program for receiving this impressive honor," said Susan M. Keith, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees. "This donation affirms the program's continued efforts to meet workforce demands and equip students with highly marketable industry skills. I am proud that these efforts are being celebrated."
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