Cerritos College News Release

Photo of Bob Arthur, Randy Peebles, Randy Sopp and John Hawkins (from left to right) with check NORWALK, Calif. – October 2, 2008 - Cerritos College Foundation announced today that it has received a $500,000 pledge from the Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealers Association (GLANCDA) to benefit the Cerritos College Center for Transportation Technologies. GLANCDA Board Member Randy Sopp, of Sopp Chevrolet in the city of Bell, presented Cerritos College Board President Bob Arthur with a check on Wednesday, October 1 during the college’s board meeting. The $500,000 pledge covers over five-year period.

“The automotive training program at Cerritos College is already one of the strongest in the nation,” said Charlie Gill, Executive Director of GLANCDA. “This pledge will go directly to the construction of the new Automotive Partners building, which will facilitate an even closer bond between Cerritos and GLANCDA’s new car dealer members.”

The college and its partners, with support of the Cerritos College Foundation, has launched a $4.8 million capital campaign for private support 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 2009, the center will play a large role in filling the ever-changing, highly skilled employment needs of the auto industry.

Key features of the training center 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.

“We are excited and pleased to receive this wonderful pledge, and we thank the GLANCDA for its generosity,” said Cerritos College Acting President/Superintendent Bill Farmer. “This gift will go a long way toward creating one of the most comprehensive automotive training centers in the country which will allow Cerritos College to educate and train tomorrow’s automotive industry workforce.”

Originally founded in 1907, the Greater Los Angeles New Car Dealers Association provides valuable educational and philanthropic benefits to the Los Angeles Community. The Association believes that involvement with local charitable organizations makes a positive difference for everyone involved. Members are factory-franchised dealers who are committed to serving the communities of Greater Los Angeles County by promoting professionalism within the retail automotive industry. The Association dealer members contribute not only to the economy of Los Angeles County, but also to the well-being and growth of their individual communities. Visit GLANCDA online at http://www.glancda.org/.

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 20,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu.

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Cerritos College

Releases 2008