Senior autobody students assess the damage to a Dodge Dart before rebuild starts
From Alfred State College,
Alfred State senior autobody student get hands-on experience through the Wreck Rebuild program. The program is funded by the Education Foundation of Alfred, Inc.
Students, led by CJ Tremper and Steven Oliver, enhance their skills sets by fixing wrecked vehicles and gain insight into what it is like to work inside a collision shop. Tremper and Oliver teach and work alongside students throughout their time in the program.
Vehicles are secured through funding provided by the Educational Foundation, a private foundation dedicated to improving the Alfred State community through the support of educational programs. The Educational Foundation possesses a New York State automobile dealer’s license that allows the college to purchase wrecked cars from auto salvage auctions, which are then used for hands-on projects. The foundation covers the cost of purchasing these cars and any parts or materials needed to bring them back to pre-accident condition.
“We bring these wrecked cars into the shop and go through a step-by-step process to get them back on the road,” commented Tremper. “This experience allows our students to apply what they are learning in the classroom and work on a vehicle that will be repaired and sold to the public.”
A 2017 Chevy Cruze was the latest car to be rebuilt in this program. The car has been fully repaired, inspected and cleared for road use. This spring, Seniors will begin work on a red Dodge Dart that sustained damage to the rear.
Tremper continued, “We are thankful for the continued support we receive from the Education Foundation. The Wreck Rebuild program sets us apart from others and helps prepare our students to jump right into field once they graduate.”
The Education Foundation’s Board of Directors is made up of representatives from alumni, faculty and staff, and friends of the college. The Foundation supports learning opportunities for students through scholarships and community service projects.
