SAN DIMAS/LA VERNE – Bonita Unified students looking to learn more about careers as auto and diesel technicians received an opportunity to explore the world of auto mechanics and vehicle inspection during Citrus College’s Automotive and Medium/Heavy-Duty Truck Technology Summer Academy, one of several career technical education (CTE) programs attended by BUSD students this summer.

Now in its fourth year, the Summer Academy is a two-day elective course exclusive to Bonita Unified students that provides an overview of Citrus College’s Automotive Technology program and allows the students to get under the hood of cars and semi-trucks and learn basic inspection and diagnostic skills.

Eight BUSD students completed the six-hour program and received certificates of completion.

“It’s good for the students to learn the basics in auto mechanics because the skills translate to everything mechanical,” Citrus College auto/diesel instructor and coordinator Spencer Boldt said. “During their day inspecting diesel trucks, we want the kids to jump in and get their hands dirty, and have some fun.”

Led by Boldt, Bonita High and San Dimas High students spent the second day of the academy inside Citrus’ Diesel Technology building, learning the proper way to inspect and replace tires, and getting a chance to use heavy-duty impact guns, floor jacks, and a three-foot-long torque wrench. The day before, students spent time in Citrus’ auto tech garage, where they worked with late-model Toyota cars.

San Dimas High School sophomore Hope Blanchard and Bonita High School sophomore Aidan Sparks both said they enrolled in the Summer Academy because they love cars. Blanchard joined to learn new do-it-yourself repair techniques and life skills, and is looking forward to employing them when she gets her first car. Though Blanchard said she is unsure if she would pursue a career as a mechanic, Sparks is more certain that mechanics is in his future

“I love cars. This is my first time working with them and it’s great,” Sparks said. “I like the teachers here because they make it fun. I like being on a college campus. My favorite car is a 1980 Dodge Challenger.”

The Summer Academy is led by Citrus College Automotive/T-TEN instructor and former Bonita High School auto tech teacher Priscilla Englert. The academy provides Bonita Unified students an entry-level overview of the college’s auto tech program, which includes the Toyota Technician Training and Education Network (T-TEN), which offers a certificate in automotive repair, diagnosis, and repair as a Toyota/Lexus technician.

“We love having the Bonita kids here for our Summer Academy. It’s a good way for them to decide whether or not auto tech is for them, plus the skills are applicable across a variety of fields,” Englert said. “Our summer CTE programs are a good way to reach out to the community and show what Citrus College has to offer. What we tell the kids is that auto tech is a rapidly expanding industry that can lead to a lucrative career.”

The auto tech program is one of a number of District CTE programs available to BUSD students during the summer. Across the Citrus campus, Bonita and San Dimas high students attended the Citrus College Architecture Academy, now in its third year.

During the weeklong course, students learned the basics of 2D and 3D modeling, LiDAR scanning, laser cutting and how to print models they designed themselves. The course finished with a construction modeling challenge, where students designed and built houses using wood pieces, decorating them with landscapes and furnishings. Students who completed the course received a certificate.

“Bonita and San Dimas students have really embraced our summer CTE programs, and it’s good to see them working together, collaborating on projects, and spending time on a college campus,” Bonita Unified CTE coordinator Vanessa Tilford said. “Citrus College is a wonderful partner for us and so welcoming to our students. Thank you to the teachers and technicians who made this year’s academies so fun for the kids.”

PHOTOS: 

BUSD_CITRUS_AUTO1: A Bonita Unified high school student learns the proper way to remove a diesel truck tire during Citrus College’s Automotive and Medium/Heavy-Duty Truck Summer Academy. Eight students received certificates after completing the two-day career technical education course.

BUSD_CITRUS_AUTO2: Bonita Unified students explored the world of auto mechanics and vehicle inspection as part of Citrus College’s Automotive and Medium/Heavy-Duty Truck Technology Summer Academy. Eight students received certificates of completion for finishing the two-day program.