Once again Bridgestone/Firestone Trust Fund has given a generous $5,000 gift to Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC). Over the years, Bridgestone/Firestone has contributed a total $76,500 to the OCCC Foundation. This most recent donation will support general scholarships to help attract students to the automotive service career field.

“The money that goes toward scholarships really helps our students make it through the program. It removes concerns about cost so students can focus on the work,” said Brad Walker, OCCC chair of Transportation Technology and professor of Automotive Technology.

OCCC has been training automotive technicians since 1978 and students who complete automotive programs at OCCC are well prepared to enter and succeed in the automotive industry. Currently, about 25 students are working through the Automotive Technology Internship Program (ATIP). In addition to scholarship support, about half of the funds will be used for program support and equipment.

“We are so grateful for the donation. We could not run a successful program without the help of Firestone, not only the funds but also by hiring a large majority of our students. They give students valuable hands-on learning opportunities,” Walker said.

OCCC offers an Associates of Applied Science Degree for ATIP, General Motors Automotive Service Educational Program (ASEP), Paint/Refinishing & Non-Structural Repair Program, and a new Diesel Technology Program. Students also have the option of obtaining an Automotive Certificate of Mastery in the Maintenance and Light Vehicle Repair Program (MLRP). All programs are certified by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and prepare the student for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification.

To learn more about Automotive Technology at OCCC, visit /automotive/index.html.