ADRIAN — Five students in the Automotive Services Technology (AST) program at the Lenawee Intermediate School District (LISD) Tech Center recently received the Gary Bettis Tool Box grant as presented by the Lenawee County Education Foundation (LCEF).
Blissfield’s Shane Kastel, Tecumseh’s Bennett Francis, Madison’s Raymond Stickler, and Onsted’s Andrew Burkeen and John Schroth each received a $1,000 grant to purchase an automotive toolbox and basic tool kit.
It is standard practice for automotive service technicians to provide their own tools in the workplace, including hand tools and specialty electrical tools, a news release from the LISD said. Tools will be purchased through a partnership with Blissfield Parts, Inc. (a NAPA Auto Parts store with a branch location in Adrian), where students also will receive a discount on any tools they purchase.
The AST program prepares students for automotive service careers, including technicians, mechanics, engineers and parts specialists.
“The ever-increasing sophistication of automotive technology and the longevity of vehicles contribute to the growing need for automotive professionals nationwide,” the LISD said. “Students in this program learn in a shop setting and can earn industry-recognized certifications, including their state mechanic certification and Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications.”
The grant was established anonymously in memory of Gary Bettis, a LISD Tech Center alumnus. Bettis, the LISD said, was passionate about the Automotive Services Technology program and owned a full-service fuel store and automotive repair shop for more than 50 years.
“During Gary’s time at the LISD Tech Center (known as Vo-Tech at that time), students could learn and master most skills in automotive repair and be ready to go to work upon graduation,” Mark Lafollette, AST instructor said in the release. “Today’s students, while not being able to master all higher-level skills due to complexity and time constraints, are now able to attain accreditation, licensing and entry-level job skills. Today’s employers are ready and able to provide the additional training and experience needed to bring new employees up to master status.”
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“This is a wonderful example of the many career opportunities for local students that don’t require a college degree,” John Wanke, LCEF executive director added in the release. “Programs like this allow students to enter the workforce right after high school in a career path with a pressing need for skilled professionals.”
The Lenawee County Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization that utilizes community donations to provide financial support for education in Lenawee County. It serves as the primary fund development arm of the LISD. While student scholarships represent its largest area of support, LCEF also provides job training grants, teacher grants and funding for other educational projects.
