Oakland Community College (OCC) Automotive Service program, Stellantis help local non-profit while filling auto technician shortage
Students in OCC's Automobile Servicing classes have been getting experience repairing an old Dodge RAM pickup truck while also helping a local non-profit organization that fights food insecurity and hunger in Metro Detroit at the same time.
The Oak Park-based food rescue Forgotten Harvest contacted OCC to ask if their program could assist with needed maintenance on its 11-year-old pickup truck. The truck was vital to their farm operation in Fenton.
The head of OCC’s Automobile Servicing program, Claude Townsend, was happy to help integrate the truck’s repairs into his classes and give his students the experience of working on a popular pickup truck while supporting a great organization like Forgotten Harvest.
Dodge originally donated the pickup truck to the non-profit 11 years ago. Accordingly, Townsend worked with Stellantis—the parent company for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, Fiat and Alfa Romeo brands—to secure a donation of parts needed for the repairs.
“My students were excited to have this opportunity,” Townsend said. "My Winter semester class got right at our Auburn Hills (campus) automotive lab, replacing the truck’s u-joints and fuel filters and doing an oil change. Then, my summer semester class taught by adjunct faculty member Brett Yaklin replaced the brakes all around.”
Townsend shared that his students are getting an education from industry experts while learning important lessons about collaboration and helping the community.
"We loved doing this work. This truly was a win-win situation for our students and Forgotten Harvest,” he said.
Keith Yancy, Director of Stellantis Performance Institute, is also pleased with the partnership that has been built to support this worthy cause.
“I’m very proud of the teams coming together to support Mopar CAP students at OCC with this opportunity to get real-world, hands-on experience while helping Forgotten Harvest’s mission,” Yancy said. “Preparing the next generation of Automotive Technicians is a key activity for my team and this is a terrific opportunity for the students to learn while supporting the community.”
Forgotten Harvest’s Farm Manager, Mike Yancho, was grateful for the donation of truck parts and services so he could continue using the truck at the farm in Fenton.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of Szott Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, OCC and Mopar CAP in getting our truck back on the road,” Yancho said. “This truck is vital to our farm operation for hauling equipment, picking up our seedlings, and bringing produce out of the field. The financial savings from this generous donation will allow Forgotten Harvest to provide over 20,000 meals to our neighbors in need.”
About OCC
Offering nearly 100 degrees and certificates, OCC is Michigan’s largest multi-campus community college and No. 1 transfer institution in the state. The College provides academic and career training and enriching experiences; to empower students to reach their potential and enhance our community. More than 1 million students have enrolled in the College since it opened in 1965. A seven-person Board of Trustees governs OCC. Board members are elected on a non-partisan, at-large basis, serve as volunteers and are not paid. Mission statement: OCC is committed to empowering our students to succeed and advancing our community. Learn more at oaklandcc.edu.
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