Tech Center students welcome high-tech donation from Betten Baker GMC

Business News |Nov 7, 2017|3 min read

MUSKEGON: Auto Service Technology students at the Muskegon Area Career Tech Center stood wide-eyed as they saw their newest training tool–a 2017 GMC Sierra Denali donated by Betten Baker of Muskegon. The vehicle was damaged during transfer when its roof struck the bottom of an overpass.

 

Rather than sell the truck to a scrap yard, Fixed Operations Director Rick Ybarra (an advisory team member for the Tech Center Auto Service Technology and Auto Collision/Refinishing programs) appealed to his superiors to have the vehicle donated to the Tech Center. General Motors approved their request.

 

“I think technology is where we need to focus–where students are now, where they can be, and what they need for the future,” shared Ybarra. “We need to reach out to more of our people, not just our advisory team, but our locals, and say we can use your support.”

 

With the exception of customer vehicles, which are only available for student learning for a few days–at most, the newest vehicle on-site for demonstration was a 2001 Dodge Neon.

 

“The driving factor in everything we do here is to provide Muskegon County businesses with top-of-the-line technicians,” said Auto Service Technology Instructor Marshall Lystra. “The Neon served us well for basics like brakes and steering, but the GMC that Betten Baker donated is a Denali package, which means it is loaded with high-end features and modern technology. We’re really excited to have it in the shop.”

 

To learn more about the Auto Service Technology program, or any of the other 14 career training programs at the Muskegon Area Career Tech Center click on the Classes link at muskegoncareertech.com.

 

Contacts: Marshall Lystra, MACTC Auto Service Technology Instructor, 231-767-3684, mlystra@muskegonisd.org

Stephanie Hoekenga, Student Outreach Specialist, 231-767-3613, shoekeng@muskegonisd.org

 

 

Auto Service Technology students with their new 2017 GMC Sierra Denali donated by Betten Baker.

Betten Baker of Muskegon donated a GMC Sierra to the automotive programs at the Muskegon Area Career Tech Center after the roof was damaged during transfer.

Betten Baker donated a 2017 GMC Sierra Denali to the Muskegon Area Career Tech Center after it was damaged during transfer.

Auto Service Technology students view the 2017 GMC Sierra Denali donated by Betten Baker in Muskegon for the first time.