College of the Canyons (COC) received a $20,000 donation from the Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealer Association (GLANCDA) to go towards the college’s automotive technology program, officials said Monday.

The donation is expected to go towards the purchase of equipment, curriculum materials and supplies required to expand hybrid vehicle training within the program, according to COC officials. 

“We are very grateful to the Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealer Association for this very generous donation to our automotive technology program,” said Murray Wood, chief development officer at the College of the Canyons Foundation, in a statement. “We have a growing need to expand upon our current curriculum to serve our students and employers better in the college service area.”

COC’s automotive technology program offers students the opportunity to learn entry-level skills needed for an automotive technician position, according to COC officials.

These skills can present opportunities in a number of settings, including dealerships, independent automotive repair facilities and with county or federal agencies.

Students that participate in the program can work towards a certificate or degree, which can take from one semester to two years to complete.

The training the students receive includes extensive hands-on experiences in all nine Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification Programs and the State of California Smog Tech Training, which can allow students to quickly enter the workforce, according to officials.

“As a business owner and resident of the Santa Clarita Valley, and proud member of the Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealer Association, I’m grateful that we have such a worthy cause at College of the Canyons to be able to support,” said GLANCDA Board Member Cheri Fleming.

For more information about COC’s automotive technology program, visit their website here.

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