Pub. 5 Issue 4

12 Issue 2 2020 T he Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealers Association (GLANCDA) has been supporting the Automotive Program at Pasadena City College since 2019, and recently announced a renewed commitment with a grant of $15,000. GLANCDA board members Peter Hoffman (Sierra Automotive Group, Monrovia), and Pete Smith (Bob Smith Toyota, La Crescenta) were instrumental in getting approval of this award. The Automotive Technology Programhas been providing quality education to students pursuing careers in the automotive industry for decades andwasmost recently recognized for economic results —receiving a Bronze Star in the StrongWorkforce Star Program. The star program measures three goals: a substantial increase in earnings, attainment of a living wage relevant to regional condi- tions, and work in a field closely matched to the student’s field of study. Automotive Technicians graduating from the PCC pro- gram have seen an 83% increase in earnings. To continue graduating highly qualified automotive technicians capable of serving a full range of vehicles, the automotive depart- ment must consistently upgrade equipment, replace tools, and build a substantial outreach program to attract new students. Support from the new car dealers makes all this possible. The Pasadena City College Automotive Department and the PCC Foundation appreciate its partnership with all the Los An- geles area new car dealers. The impact on PCC and our students continues to be profound, and our automotive program would not be the same without their support. Kind regards, Dolores I. Ybarra | Development Manager Pasadena City College Foundation Pasadena City College Automotive Program Awarded $15,000 Grant GLANCDA Board Member Cheri Fleming (Valencia Acura), Presents Check to Automotive Tech Program at College of the Canyons O n behalf of the School of Applied Technology and the Automotive Tech Program at College of the Canyons, I want to personally thank Cheri Fleming, (Valencia Acura) and the Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealers As- sociation for making this generous donation of $20,000. We’re proud of the work of our Automotive Technology program and the impact it has on our students and the broader business community, including our local auto dealerships. This program provides a robust offering of certificate and degree programs for our students, ranging from one semester to two years in length. Most importantly, our Automotive Technology students are equipped with hands-on experience and relevant skills, empow- ering them to support themselves and their families. Through this generous contribution, we will be able to help fund new equipment and training for hybrid vehicles — a growing and important segment of our program’s curriculum. Thank youagain for investing in the lives and futures of our students at the College of the Canyons. Your gift will help students achieve their dreams and reach their full potential through education. Sincerely, James P. Kneblik, Jr., Director of Development College of the Canyons Foundation GLANCDA Executive Director Bob Smith, with Wendy Lucko (PCCAutomotive Technology instructor) and students  PHILANTROPY — continued on page 13