The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has chosen 10 high schools to participate in the 2019-2020 SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program, a project meant to inspire and support high school students in learning about the automotive aftermarket industry. The program debuted under three years ago with only a single participating school.
Four schools that participated last year will return to the program this year, along with six new schools.
“The continuous success of this program speaks volume to the positive impact auto-technology programs have when offered in high school curricula,” said Katie Hurst, SEMA Youth Engagement Programs Manager. “SEMA is proud to provide these students with an avenue to further expand their advancement to a career in the automotive industry.”
Over the semester, students will gain firsthand experience with aftermarket products, helping them develop skills in project management, installation, body-styling and team building. Vehicles used in this year’s program will include third-generation Toyota 4Runners and Jeep Wrangler TJs.
The high schools for the 2019-2020 SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program are:
- Career Center High School--Winston Salem, NC
- Comstock High School--Kalamazoo, MI
- John Hersey High School--Arlington Heights, IL
- McGavock High School--Nashville, TN
- Mon Valley Career & Technology Center--Charleroi, PA
- Omaha Public Schools Career Center--Omaha, NE
- R.L. Turner High School--Carrollton, TX
- Santa Fe ECO--Santa Fe, NM
- Santa Ynez Valley Union High School--Santa Ynez, CA
- Wichita Falls Career Education Center--Wichita Falls, TX
Rogelio Martinez, a senior at Santa Fe Early Career Opportunities High School who took part in last year's build, explained what the program means to him: “The part I loved was seeing all the new aftermarket parts we got to work with. It’s a passion for each and all of us to work with cars, and when we get neat parts like this it’s just that much better.”
Upon completion, each build vehicle will be auctioned off with the proceeds being reinvested into the program to further expand future rounds of builds for the 2020-2021 school year. As participants of the program, each high school will also receive industry recognition through the SEMA build website and SEMA build promotions.