Douglas County Auto Shops Fund Career Path for Student Technicians

The participating locations in Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Roxborough, Parker, Castle Rock, and Lone Tree will contribute $200 per month each to a scholarship fund, removing financial barriers for students enrolled in the vocational track. Beyond tuition assistance, top-performing students will receive paid internships tailored to their academic schedules and a professional Technician Starter Tool Set upon graduation.

Chris Longo, owner of the Littleton franchise, noted that the industry faces a persistent shortage of skilled labor, making early engagement with students critical. The partnership extends into the classroom, with franchise owners and service managers providing technical training, donating vehicles for hands-on practice, and conducting career coaching sessions. Superintendent Erin Kane described the collaboration as a vital step in keeping the local workforce within the county, citing the program as a tangible outcome of community support for district initiatives. This investment highlights a growing trend of private sector involvement in vocational education to secure a pipeline of qualified mechanics.