Vroom Vroom: The Iowa Valley Grinnell Automotive Technology Program Receives a Facelift

When students would enroll into the Iowa Valley Community College Grinnell Automotive Technology Program, they would quickly move on to new programs, such as those with complex projects and larger spaces. Part of the reason was that Iowa Valley’s automotive lab existed within the school district’s bus barn by the middle school.

“We were thankful the district let us share the space,” says Ashtyn Beek, dean of concurrent enrollment at Iowa Valley Grinnell. "But once our students visited colleges with nicer automotive programs, they would leave."

But two years ago, the State of Iowa awarded the Automotive Technology Program a grant of over a million dollars — a fund that would help launch its first-of-its-kind automotive lab on the heart of Iowa Valley’s campus.

“Once the State of Iowa granted the funding to move forward, we gutted a large section of our classrooms, conference room, and storage area to make room for this on-site lab,” shares Beek with Chamber Ambassadors this morning. “Now, we’re hoping our students will stick around for the new space.”

The college’s automotive lab expanded swiftly. As their space increased tenfold, the program went from 3 to 9 car lifts, created stations for students to tear car engines apart, and began housing different model cars. Last week, Iowa Valley officially celebrated the space with a ribbon cutting. One perk of the program? Tools for the students are provided in the tuition.

“Most cars here are donated from Grinnell Mutual,” explains Beek. “They are such a great partner and are especially good at providing mostly functional cars, like those with hail damage — one year, we could get an SUV and then a hybrid the next.”

Both high schoolers and traditional students can partake in the automotive program and choose to pursue either a 1-year diploma or a 2-year associate’s degree. Most students complete certification to work in auto shops, but for those looking to work in dealerships and their service center, the program offers industry recognized credentials.

Currently, the Iowa Valley program has 18 students enrolled in the first (new) year of the program and four students in the second. If students are enrolling through their high school, their institution offers the funds for tuition and fees; otherwise, students are encouraged to complete their financial aid applications for grants and loans. “We work closely with area high schools and have good relationships with their counselors,” says Beek. “We want them to apply.”

Registration opens in March; however, the program is first-come, first-serve, so make sure to apply as soon as you can!

To learn more about the program, join their Auto Day on April 17! During the event, prospective students will receive a tour with Auto Technology Faculty instructor Erik Glass, who will speak to the program offerings and how to register.

For more information on Iowa Valley Grinnell, including other campus offerings, check out their website https://mcc.iavalley.edu/about-mcc/grinnell-campus/.

Chamber Ambassadors from left to right:

• Monique Shore — PFLAG Grinnell Poweshiek
• Nikki Armstead — Grinnell Chamber
• Shivam Sharma — Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
• Donnette Ellis — Grinnell College Community Connections & Grinnell College
• Erin Bustin — Grinnell School of Music
• Ashtyn Beek — Iowa Valley Community College Grinnell
• Marcus Brandenburg — Anthem Heating & Cooling
• Brandy Virchow — B. Nicole Salon
• Jennifer McAlexander — JM Consulting & Hawkeye Lock & Security
• Fran Conn
• Trent Arment — MCG - Mahaska Communication Group
• Not pictured: Yesenia Mozo — Grinnell Chamber