Thanks to a donation from Conklin Cars, students in the Automotive Technology program at Salina Tech now have a hybrid vehicle to work and learn on.
Monday afternoon, the dealership donated a 2010 Toyota Prius to the college, the first hybrid in the college’s stable of vehicles students learn from.
Auto Tech instructor Russ Wasson said the program has included classes on hybrid vehicles for several years, but finding some for students to get hands-on experience with has meant asking around and borrowing them as needed.
“Now, I won’t have to spend time trying to find one when we need it,” Wasson said.
Presenting the vehicle to Salina Tech were Javier Lopez, Conklin’s Used Sales Manager, and Justin Malbrough, Master Toyota Technician.
“We knew about the need for a while, and when this came in as a trade-in, we wanted to donate it,” Lopez said.
“This is a great example of the way Salina Tech’s programs and faculty work with our industry partners to benefit the students who will eventually become their employees,” said Salina Tech President Greg Nichols.