Partnership Leads to Vehicle Donation for SKYCTC Automotive and Collision Repair Programs

Bowling Green, KY – A strong partnership between Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC) and local industry continues to benefit students through hands-on learning opportunities, highlighted by the recent donation of a vehicle to the college’s Automotive Technology and Collision Repair Technology programs.

SKYCTC Faculty along with the Workforce Solutions Division of the college, actively collaborate with area employers to support student success, understand workforce needs, and ensure training aligns with current industry standards for equipment and technology. One such partner is Greenwood Ford/Lincoln, where JR Campbell serves as Director of Fixed Operations.

Greenwood Ford/Lincoln recently donated a 2011 Ford Escape to support instructional use in the Automotive and Collision Repair division. According to Campbell, the decision reflects a long-standing commitment from dealership leadership to give back to the college.

“Our General Manager has been adamant from the first time we visited SKYCTC that we would find a vehicle to donate to the automotive program,” said Campbell. “He has asked about it in each of our weekly manager meetings. When our Sales Manager, Jeff Keys, received this trade-in, he immediately shared the good news. We are hopeful to donate more vehicles in the near future.”

The donated 2011 Ford Escape was a recent trade-in that requires extensive work to the airbag system and engine, making it an ideal instructional vehicle for students to gain real-world diagnostic and repair experience. Campbell noted that the dealership anticipates additional future donations as vehicles become available.

The partnership between SKYCTC and Greenwood Ford/Lincoln is further strengthened by the success of SKYCTC graduates currently employed at the dealership, including Kain Willard, Coltan Baird, and Jotavien Bunton.

“I’m happy to share that these former students are doing very well,” Campbell said. “They have been attentive, professional, and consistently demonstrate a strong work ethic in their apprentice roles. They’ve integrated smoothly into the team and continue to show strong technical competence and initiative that reflect positively on the program. We appreciate the solid foundation Mr. Stephens and Mr. Hunt and the college provided and look forward to continued collaboration in the future.”

SKYCTC officials expressed appreciation for the donation and the ongoing partnership, noting that industry support such as this plays a critical role in preparing students for successful careers in automotive and collision repair fields.