Wayne Knight, BRCC Collision Program ManagerBaton Rouge Community College’s Automotive Technology Program was recently awarded a $5,000 grant from LKQ Corporation as part of the Collision Repair Education Foundation Benchmark Grants. The BRCC program was one of five schools to receive this grant from LKQ Corporation. The Collision School Career Readiness Benchmark Grants recognize schools that excel at educating students in collision repair and rely on additional funding or assistance to properly support the program. Grant recipients use these funds to provide the tools, equipment, and supplies needed to enhance the student’s learning experience and to properly prepare graduates to successfully enter the workforce.

“We have one of the best Automotive training facilities in the nation thanks to our partners and community support,” said BRCC Chancellor Dr. Willie E. Smith. “Our faculty and staff are doing a tremendous job providing students with the practical and hands-on experience needed to simulate a work environment. We look forward to utilizing the grant award to continue supporting our students and the Collision Program.”

Wayne Knight, the Collision Program Manager, applied for the grant to support four courses within the program. Knight said the grant will be used to purchase supplies and new equipment for students. Knight has more than 50 years of experience in the automotive repair industry.

BRCC’s Automotive Technology Program provides specialized classroom instruction and practical shop experience for its students.  The program prepares students to engage in the servicing and maintenance of all types of automobiles. Students in the Collision concentration learn to complete structural, non-structural, mechanical, electrical, and damage appraisals in the auto body repair industry. For additional information about the Automotive Technology Program, call 225.216.8367 or visit mybrcc.edu.