FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Melissa Utsuki
Executive Director of Communications and External Relations
626-914-8872
mutsuki@citruscollege.edu
Citrus College automotive technology program earns $10,000 donation
Glendora, Calif. (April 5, 2023) – The Citrus College Automotive Technology program received a $10,000 donation from the Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealers Association (GLANCDA) in February 2023.
The donation to Citrus College was made possible through Bob Smith, GLANCDA's executive director, and Robb Hernandez, president of the Camino Real Chevrolet car dealership in Monterey Park. Founded in 1907, GLANCDA is a group of factory-franchised dealers who provide educational assistance to communities throughout Los Angeles County.
With the donation, the automotive technology program will partner with Toyota Technician Training and Education Network (Toyota T-TEN) and GearWrench to purchase hand tools and tool boxes for two Citrus College Toyota T-TEN graduates. Both are currently employed at a GLANCDA-sanctioned dealership in the Los Angeles area.
"Tools of the trade are an investment in a technician's career," said Priscilla Englert, automotive technology instructor. "As cars and trucks continue becoming more complex, there are many more specialty tools that are required. To get a head start with these tools is a step above the rest."
GLANCDA has donated $10,000 to the automotive technology program on several previous occasions. Over the years, the donations have paid for 15 laptops and related hardware, as well as software to help Citrus College students work with the technologically advanced programs found in many modern vehicles. Specifically, the technology has helped students in the college's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning and engine performance courses.
"It's the support of GLANCDA, Toyota T-TEN, GearWrench and other industry partners that helps us maintain and realize our mission," Englert said. "This mission carries over to our students, as we provide them with the most up-to-date training and support for a competitive edge in their careers."
Currently, the Citrus College Automotive Technology program offers students a choice between multiple associate degree, certificate and skill award options. Certified by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation, the program has six full-time instructors who have worked in the automotive industry and are ASE master technicians.
"On behalf of the campus community, I would like to thank GLANCDA, Bob Smith and Robb Hernandez for this extraordinary gift," said Dr. Greg Schulz, superintendent/president of Citrus College. "Thanks to their continued support, we have been able to improve the educational experience of so many automotive technology students."
For more information about the college's automotive technology program, visit citruscollege.edu/academics/programs/auto.
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