College’s auto tech program ranked among best in the nation

PASADENA, Texas – One of San Jacinto College’s automotive technology programs has earned a prestigious national award and is ranked as one of the highest performing schools in the United States.

The Central campus’ Toyota Technical Education Network (T-TEN) program earned Toyota’s 2008 School Recognition Award, which is annually awarded to the top four college-level training programs in America. The Central campus T-TEN program was one of four selected out of the 51 college-level programs in the nation that are eligible to receive the award. Qualifying for the award includes a stringent application process that includes careful evaluation of every aspect of a program.

Rick Lester, Toyota’s national technician development manager, said San Jacinto College operates an exemplary T-TEN program.

“San Jacinto College’s program is a shining star,” commented Lester. “The instructors and administration are highly committed and professional and their focus on the success of their students is an example for all programs.”

Lester said Toyota is particularly impressed with how San Jacinto College has built solid relationships with local Toyota and Lexus dealerships.

“It is difficult to say just how much Toyota appreciates what the team at San Jac does for our dealership business partners and their students. Toyota is thrilled to be able to recognize such an outstanding team.”

Dr. Steven Horton, San Jacinto College Central’s dean of technical education, commended the faculty members and students for earning the prestigious national recognition for a second time (the College’s Toyota program also earned the award in 2006).

“Among the college T-TEN programs, this recognition is considered the highest national honor, it’s the one that all programs strive to achieve and the criteria is very stringent,” remarked Horton. “I am very proud of our Toyota faculty and student team for the high caliber of their program, and I am thankful for the investment the instructors make in the lives of our students. They deliver excellence in the classroom and provide our students the best possible automotive technology training.”

Homer Swihart, program coordinator for the San Jacinto College T-TEN program, says the award is the direct result of the dedication and hard work of instructors and students.

“Last year we had the largest graduating class in the history of T-TEN (35 students),” Swihart remarked. “I have received feedback that our students are considered among the most sought-after entry-level technicians in the Toyota/Lexus family of service and repair facilities.”

San Jacinto College Central offers specialized, state-of-the-art automotive technology training programs in General Motors, Chrysler, Ford, Toyota and Honda. The College also maintains an affiliation with BMW, through which qualifying San Jacinto College graduates can obtain nine months of specialized training at a BMW facility.

The College’s auto tech program also provides internships at various different Houston area automobile dealerships, where students gain valuable practical experience. The Central campus offers a wide range of one-year certificate and two-year associate degree programs in automotive technology.

For more information, please call 281-998-6150 or visit www.sanjac.edu/autotech.