Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus has received a $30,000 grant from the Arkansas Motor Vehicle Commission that will benefit students in the ATU-Ozark automotive service technology program.
The funds will be invested in two Zeus Plus diagnostic scanners.
“These state-of-the-art scanners will enhance the hands-on learning experience for students, allowing them to diagnose and repair a wide range of automotive issues using the latest technology,” said Dr. Sheila Jacobs, ATU-Ozark chancellor. “This upgrade is crucial for our automotive service technology students to stay current and highly skilled in automotive education.”
The new scanners will allow ATU-Ozark automotive service technology faculty members to facilitate collaborative learning opportunities and integrate emerging technologies such as electric and hybrid vehicles, autonomous driving systems and connectivity features into the program’s curriculum.
“This funding will significantly enhance our training capabilities, providing our students with the tools they need to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving automotive industry,” said Bobby Sewell, ATU-Ozark automotive service technology program chair. “The new diagnostic scanners will not only improve our current training program, but also attract more students to pursue careers in the automotive service technology.”
Students in the Arkansas River Valley can begin pursuing their automotive service technology credentials as early as high school. Arkansas Tech Career Center, which serves more than 800 high school students per year, offers a Certificate of Proficiency in automotive service technology that can be stacked toward the Technical Certificate in automotive service technology and the Associate of Applied Science degree in automotive service technology at ATU-Ozark.
The ATU-Ozark automotive service technology program is accredited by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Education Foundation. Students in the program have the opportunity to attain a variety of ASE certifications that enhance their career readiness and employability.
It is anticipated that the grant funds, which were made available through Act 504 of the 93rd Arkansas General Assembly in 2021, will affect the educational experience of more than 100 ATU-Ozark students per year.
“We at ATU Ozark are deeply grateful to the Arkansas Motor Vehicle Commission for awarding us this grant,” said Jacobs. “The addition of the sophisticated Zeus intelligent diagnostic scanners will enable our students to train with the latest technology, providing them with industry-relevant experience. This will ensure that our graduates are well-prepared and highly competitive candidates in the automotive industry.”
