Lithia Motors, Inc. donates $50,000 to support SUNY Morrisville’s automotive programs

SUNY Morrisville's Automotive Technology Program has received a $50,000 donation from Lithia Motors, Inc., further strengthening the college's ability to prepare the next generation of vehicle technicians through modern equipment, advanced technology and hands-on learning experiences.

Funds from the donation will support the Automotive Technology Program's continued investment in the latest tools, equipment and modern industry practices.

"This generous support from Lithia Motors will allow us to continue investing in the latest technology and equipment, ensuring our students enter the industry prepared for today's rapidly evolving automotive landscape," said Dan Akers, a SUNY Morrisville auto alumnus and director of the college's Ford ASSET program.

Gifts such as this keep SUNY Morrisville students on the leading edge of the industry. Through extensive hands-on lab experiences, collaborations with BOCES and other technical education partners, instruction from skilled faculty and access to advanced automotive facilities, students gain the practical skills and real-world that experience needed to succeed.

In addition, partnerships with corporate and industry leaders expand internship and employment opportunities for SUNY Morrisville students as they transition from classroom into the workforce.

With demand for skilled technicians continuing to grow, SUNY Morrisville is focused on ensuring students graduate career-ready. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 67,000 job openings for automotive technicians are projected annually nationwide between 2022 and 2032.

Internships and other experiential learning opportunities play a key role in that preparation, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, build professional networks and gain valuable industry experience before graduation.

That hands-on experience is further enhanced through the college's advanced facilities. All of SUNY Morrisville's automotive programs provide hands-on learning in some of the most technically advanced facilities in the industry, where students are taught by faculty who are experts in their field and Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified in their respective teaching areas - ensuring graduates are well-prepared to meet industry demands.