Local Lithia Motors dealerships presented $50,000 to students and staff in the NEWTech Prep automotive program on Wednesday.
Lithia, which operates 455 locations in three countries, chose 11 colleges or automotive programs to support through $50K contributions. The funds will allow NEWTech to purchase the latest equipment so students can be prepared to meet modern industry standards.
Camp Chevrolet service manager Leasa Freter, who presented the check, said the hard work and inquisitiveness of NEWTech students makes them stand out.
“We have so many students that have come out of this program, whether it's a job shadow or employment, and that's how we grow our industry, how we strengthen and partner throughout the community,” she said.
After a brief presentation, 15 local Lithia managers toured classrooms, then treated students and staff to goodie bags and a lunch of 45 pizzas, half of which were donated by Pizza Rita.
After a slice, NEWTech auto mechanics teacher Dan Horton said Lithia has been a great partner, providing internships, work study, and even hiring seven students straight out of the program in the past year alone.
“It's a huge thing for kids to have this experience,” he said. It's a whole new industry now. Everything we do is computerized and involves a laptop or a scan tool.”
A total of 53 NEWTech students have now participated in Lithia internships for a combined 875 hours. A dozen former students are now hired or in paid work-based learning with the company.
NEWTech Prep is a regional career and technical education partnership serving juniors and seniors from our 11 consortium-member school districts in central Spokane County. Students split their day at their neighborhood high school and NEWTech, where they can pursue one of 17 programs in Health Sciences, Professional Services, or Skilled Trades.
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