The Rogue Community College (RCC) Automotive Department recently donated several surplus vehicles to local high schools in an effort to enhance automotive training programs and provide students with hands-on learning opportunities. The schools receiving these donations include Illinois Valley High School, Grants Pass High School, and Phoenix High School.
The purpose of the donation is to help students gain valuable experience working on real vehicles as part of their automotive education. Access to these vehicles allows students to develop critical skills in diagnostics, repair, and maintenance—skills that are essential for careers in the automotive industry.
As technology within the automotive sector continues to advance, high schools are focusing on preparing students for a growing demand in the workforce. Training on real vehicles gives students exposure to the latest developments in automotive systems, including electronics, engine management, and diagnostics. The addition of these vehicles to high school programs is expected to provide more opportunities for students to practice and improve their technical abilities in a controlled learning environment.
The transport of the vehicles from RCC to the high schools was made possible with the assistance of GOODFELLAS Towing, a local towing company that provided critical support in moving the donated vehicles. This collaboration highlights the importance of community partnerships in making educational initiatives successful.
Automotive education programs often rely on donations to supplement their training resources, as acquiring vehicles and equipment can be costly. These vehicles will allow more students to work in smaller groups or independently, ensuring they gain sufficient hands-on experience to prepare them for jobs in the automotive field.
Programs like these are considered essential to meet the increasing need for skilled automotive technicians, especially as vehicles become more complex and reliant on advanced technology. Schools aim to ensure students are well-prepared to enter the workforce or pursue further education in automotive technology at the college level.
The donation aligns with broader efforts to strengthen workforce development in Southern Oregon by creating direct pathways from education to employment. By supporting local high schools, RCC is helping to ensure that students who are interested in automotive careers have the tools and training necessary to succeed in a competitive job market.
Through collaborative efforts between educational institutions and community businesses, initiatives like this continue to provide meaningful opportunities for students and contribute to the growth and sustainability of local industries.
For more information about the automotive programs offered by RCC or to learn how to support similar initiatives, visit the Rogue Community College website.
