Cerritos College Foundation-News

Photo of Todd Leutheuser, Bill Farmer, Don La Mar and Steve Berklite, interim dean of technology division (from left to right) NORWALK, Calif. – January 23, 2009 – The Southland Motor Car Dealers Association (SMCDA) presented a check for $100,000 to the Cerritos College Foundation on Thursday, January 15, completing its $500,000 pledge to support the Cerritos Center for Transportation Technologies (CCTT). Newly elected SMCDA President Don La Mar of La Mar Hyundai presented Cerritos College Acting President Bill Farmer with a check during the Association’s annual dinner.

“This is an exciting time for future technicians, the community, and the College,” said Leutheuser, executive director of the SMCDA. “This public, private partnership is symbolic of how industry and education can work hand in hand in preparing the workforce of tomorrow.”

The college and its partners, with support of the Cerritos College Foundation, launched a $4.8 million capital campaign to help augment local bond funds provided for the $15 million expansion of the center. The proposed training center will include a $9 million renovation of the existing three-acre auto complex and a new $6 million automotive partners building that will focus on management education for the auto industry. When completed in 2010, the center will play a large role in filling the ever-changing, highly skilled employment needs of the auto industry.

Key features of the CCTT will include a state-of-the-art Hybrid and Alternative Fuels Training Center, three manufacturer-sponsored technician apprentice programs, and Northwood University’s west coast program center that offers a bachelor’s degree in automotive management for full-time students and working adults. Groundbreaking for the new CCTT complex is scheduled for early spring.

“The SMCDA’s commitment to fulfilling pledge shows the importance of new and innovative training, which will benefit our community in terms of new jobs and the next generation of technicians that will work on alternative fuel cars of the future,” said Steve Richardson, executive director of the Cerritos College Foundation.

Since 1932, the SMCDA represents roughly 80 franchised new car dealers in Southern L.A. County. The SMCDA has been actively supporting Cerritos College and students with scholarships, donations and support for many years. The SMCDA's focus is education, political representation, and to promote the automotive retail industry to the public. The goal of the SMCDA is to provide services, address and be responsive to the needs of its members.

Cerritos College has offered automotive technology training since the college began in 1955. Nearly 1,000 students annually seek certificate degrees and special programs in the disciplines of automotive repair, advanced transportation technologies, auto collision repair, intelligent transportation systems and alternative fuel and hybrids, making it one of the most comprehensive programs in the United States. As one of ten state Advanced Transportation Technology and Energy Initiative Centers, the Cerritos College Automotive Technology Program continues to be recognized as regional and state leaders by being awarded $1.2 million in program grants this year to support and expand technician education and training.

Cerritos College’s Auto Technology Program provides students with hands-on, nationally authorized training for GM, Ford, Chrysler and import vehicles, and operates a California Advanced Transportation Technology Center partially subsidized by the state to encourage development of alternative fuel sources.

Perhaps most impressively, Cerritos College is physically located just blocks from the world’s largest auto mall where it partners with dealers to train and employ technicians and dealer managers. The greater Los Angeles area is home to more than 17 corporate support centers for the robust Southern California auto industry. It is also home to a number of design centers producing vehicle prototypes for future sales. Automotive-industry management opportunities routinely require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, which can now be pursued through Northwood University at Cerritos College.

The Cerritos College Foundation, a non-profit organization, serves as a charitable vehicle for the community, individuals and alumni, to assist with financial support of Cerritos College. Visit the Foundation online at www.cerritos.edu/ccf.

Cerritos College serves as a comprehensive community college for southeastern Los Angeles County. Communities within the college’s district include Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Norwalk, and portions of Bell Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs and South Gate. Cerritos College offers degrees and certificates in more than 180 areas of study in nine divisions. Annually, more than 1,200 students successfully complete their course of studies, and enrollment currently surpasses 24,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu.

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