Sandia High School gets major donation to automotive class

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Some of Albuquerque’s future mechanics are getting a chance to put their knowledge into practice, thanks to a big donation. “We’re excited to learn about the new parts,” said Lucas Sait, student at Sandia High School.

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Students at Sandia High School automotive shop can’t wait to get their hands on their newest project which comes in the form of a 2023 Ford Transit. “It’s going to be a ton of fun to work on the newer electronics in it. All of our cars are much older. So we haven’t really dealt with the electronic side. Like they said earlier, the amount of computers,” said student at Sandia High School, John Dobbins, student.

The van, donated by Rich Ford, only has 32 miles on it. It was donated after the body was damaged during transportation. But it’s the first time in 15 years the class has had access to a fully functioning vehicle.

The students will perform inspections on the engine, learn to check the fluids, do bodywork, and more. “Now we can say we give to students their education in, if you want to call it real-time, in real-time because that automobile is a automobile that Ford would use and have their technicians working with,” said automotive teacher Adolphus Washington.

The goal is to prepare students for a career after high school and get them excited to learn about cars. “This is just going to be more experience for me when I walk into a job, the more experience I can get now is easier, it’s free,” said Dobbins.

“I’m very grateful about its an opportunity a lot of kids don’t get to get,” said Sait.

The van will be available to about 40 students currently. The school says it could be in use for the next decade.

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