If you were to ask Steve Reinarts, Dean of Dunwoody’s Automotive programs, why he was especially happy last week, he would quickly tell you that the season of giving came early for his department.
Delivering that gift was Meg Miller, Matt Carlson and Tim Stoesz, representatives from Luther Automotive Group, in the form of a 2012 GMC Sierra ¾ ton diesel pick-up truck–a wish come true for Reinarts and his faculty.
While speaking with the students, Stoesz stressed his company’s passion for helping students succeed in Automotive by continuing their strong relationship with Dunwoody.
“The stronger they are, the stronger we are,” he said.
The truck donation is the latest in a well-established partnership to help build career pathways for technicians. Dunwoody currently has nine students who are part of the Luther Tech Trac student sponsorship program.
Students chosen for this program must prove themselves through their work ethic, and receive a faculty recommendation in order to be considered.
The program provides qualified students with up to $4,000 in tuition sponsorship to be used towards completion of an accredited two-year certificate or degree program. It also offers paid, part-time work at one of the Luther Group Dealerships while in school, allowing students to transition to full-time employment once they graduate.
“We want people who want a career, not a job,” Carlson said.
“It’s the future of our business right here,” said Stoesz.
Taking turns sitting inside and looking under the hood, students gathered around the diesel truck parked inside the Warren Building, home to the Automotive, Welding, and HVACR programs.
“The Sierra will go to great use training our students on the latest in diesel technology,” Reinarts said. “It will be implemented fully into the curriculum after the first of the year.”