Schools
CTE automotive program in UCS receives grant from local foundation
The Margaret Dunning Foundation has provided a $43,000 grant to Henry Ford II
The Margaret Dunning Foundation, a foundation founded in honor of the late Margaret Dunning, has provided a $43,000 grant to support Henry Ford II High School’s automotive repair program.
“We are fortunate to have such an extensive Career and Technical Education (CTE) program in UCS that includes our automotive program,” superintendent Robert S. Monroe said.
“This partnership with the Margaret Dunning Foundation serves as an investment not only in UCS students, but in our community as a whole as our students are able to gain real-world experiences through the support of this grant.”
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Henry Ford II Career and Technical Education (CTE) Automotive teacher Brett Orlowski said the grant will update equipment to industry standards.
“Students will be learning using equipment and technology that mirrors what they will encounter in real-world automotive shops and dealerships,” Orlowski said. “This alignment gives them a competitive edge both during and after their post-secondary education.”
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Students in the automotive program in UCS earn certification through the ASE (Automotive Service Excellence), with many already employed in private auto repair businesses.
Orlowski said the students work on “all aspects” of cars, including brakes, steering suspensions, electronics, fuel injection and diagnostics. The students are also learning how to use technology as part of their diagnostic tests to identify issues.
“In the automotive field, technology and equipment are constantly evolving. Keeping students on pace with these changes ensures they are better prepared for schooling and careers in the industry,” said Orlowski.
Andrew Boice, Henry Ford II senior, is currently enrolled in CTE Advanced Auto and the CTE Automotive Technologies Capstone. He plans to pursue a career on a NASCAR or IndyCar team after completing trade school at the Universal Technical Institute.
“I feel that it is very important that students take this course due to the hands-on side of it,” Boice said. “You're learning something new every time you enter the shop. If there is a student that does not know what they want to do as a career, this class is great to get a feel for what you may want to do later in life.”
The Margaret Dunning Foundation was founded by Ms. Dunning 1997. She was born in 1920 in Redford Township and moved with her mother to Plymouth, Michigan in the 1920s.
During her lifetime, Ms. Dunning was a successful business woman, philanthropist and civic booster. She was a major support of many Plymouth nonprofits, including the Plymouth District Library and the Plymouth Historical Society. In addition to her personal philanthropy, Ms. Dunning was a classic car enthusiast and was a regular participant in the Woodward Dream Cruise with her 1930 Packard 740 Roadster.
Ms. Dunning passed away in 2013 at the age of 104. Her estate provided additional funding for the Margaret Dunning Foundation, which continues to support her charitable interests and legacy. For more information, www.margaretdunningfdn.org
Source: Utica Community Schools
Robert Monroe, superintendent of schools
