L-R: Ray Hunt and Matthew McKenzie, a fellow instructor in ACM's automotive technology program, are shown with several of the newly purchased vehicles in the program's state-of-the-art training facility.
MSDE INNOVATION GRANT UPGRADES HANDS-ON LEARNING:
Expands Automotive Technology Program Training at ACM
CUMBERLAND, Md. (Feb. 22, 2021) – Six 2020 or newer gas, diesel, and electric vehicles were add to Allegany College of Maryland’s automotive technology fleet thanks to a $149,714 Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Innovation Grant. “It’s the biggest and best news that Auto Tech has ever received,” said Ray Hunt, director/instructor of the college’s automotive technology program.
The new vehicles were purchased locally and are housed in the college's state-of-the-art automotive technology lab facility, which provides students hands-on training in support of classroom instruction. ACM offers one associate degree and two certificate programs, one of which can be completed in a semester of full-time study. All three curricula carry certification by the ASE [Automotive Service Excellence] Education Foundation, formerly NATEF.
The automotive technology program has undergone substantial changes within the last few years. In 2018, an Appalachian Regional Commission grant enabled the college to add diesel service training and widen the employment options of its graduates. Two diesel engines and related equipment were purchased, and diesel training was incorporated into seven existing courses. More information is available online at allegany.edu/automotive-technology.
