With auto prices soaring and the technology within them growing more sophisticated each year, Cypress College has developed a specialty in what is becoming a growing career field.
Moreover, Cypress College’s educational partnerships with local schools allows automotive technicians to learn the craft while they are still attending high school.
Five Cypress College students took home prizes in the Orange County Auto Dealers Association’s (OCADA) Automotive Technology Competition, including first place in the contest, the college has announced.
All five students representing Cypress College are dual-enrolled high school students in the Automotive Technology program, including Christina Do, a Cypress High School and College student enrolled in her second semester in the program. Members of the Cypress College team attend either John F. Kennedy High School or Cypress High School during the day.
Students were required to take a written exam to qualify for the competition. Qualifying students were then required to put together a video presentation and a virtual automotive simulation.
Dr. Kathleen Reiland, the Dean of Career and Technical Education at Cypress College, said the Automotive Technology Competition provides students with an excellent opportunity to test their knowledge and skills. She also acknowledged Automotive Technology Instructor David Endo’s dedication as key to his students’ success.
“I am very proud of our Cypress College Automotive faculty in helping our dual enrollment students participate in the event and achieve these awards,” Reiland said. “It was particularly rewarding to see a woman, Christina Do, in first place for the first time in 28 years! We are also thrilled that Cypress instructor David Endo’s extra work and commitment to these competitions was recognized, with him receiving the OCADA Teacher of the Year Award.”
The following video presentations were submitted from members of the Cypress College team:
8th Place winner, Anthony “Charlie” Armstrong (Kennedy-Junior)
6th Place winner, Jonathan Tran (Kennedy-Senior)
5th Place winner, Edward Kim (Cypress-Junior)
2nd Place winner, Vincent Tran (Kennedy-Senior)
1st Place winner, Christina Do (Cypress-Senior)
Winners of the program received scholarships and professional automotive tools.
Cypress College offers students a pathway to their future in an environment in which employees commit to joining students on their educational journey. The college’s half-million-plus alumni include actors, athletes, doctors, executives, mechanics, nurses, and teachers. For some, Cypress College is the ticket into their university of choice, and for others, it provides essential training for a prosperous career. Just one Cypress College class is often all it takes to provide cutting-edge skills that lead to a promotion or a new job.
Cypress College’s 16,000 students and highly qualified teaching faculty are proud of their many excellent academic and vocational programs. Cypress College provides a pathway for each student, offering 56 university-transfer majors, 174 career-certificate programs, and degrees in 98 areas of study. The college’s traditional semesters begin in January and August, while short-term courses start throughout the year. A Cypress College education costs $46 per unit — $138 for a typical, full-credit class — California’s lowest tuition. Eligible first-time students qualify for free tuition through Cypress College’s Charger Experience Promise program. Financial aid and scholarships are also available to qualifying students.
Cypress College is one of three campuses in the North Orange County Community College District and a member of the 116-campus California Community College system. The college primarily serves the cities of Anaheim, Buena Park, Cypress, Garden Grove, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, and Stanton.
Located at 9200 Valley View Street in Cypress, the college is easily accessible from several Southern California freeways, including the 5, 91, 605, 22, and 405. The campus is just a stone’s-throw from Downtown Disney and Knott’s Berry Farm.
In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Cypress College’s instruction and services are offered primarily in a remote format. Students can access support services online at cypresscollege.edu/coronavirus.
