An Area Leader Making Its Programs Better
Saddleback College is already known as a leader in its area for alternative fuel vehicle programs. It is now using ATRE-CEC funding to make those programs even better.
National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Odyssey Day
In April, Saddleback College hosted National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Odyssey Day in an effort to educate the community about the positive impact this technology has on the environment.
Some of the vehicles on display included a hydrogen bus, a diesel fire engine, Tesla Model X, Hyundai IONIQ 300, among others. More than 300 people turned out for the event.
The SWITCH Lab Electric Vehicles Program
Saddleback also recently hosted its second professional development event for its SWITCH Lab electric vehicles program. High School teachers and college instructors from various institutions participated in the week-long class building three electric vehicles.
The college currently offers five certificates and degrees, including the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Specialist certificate that covers everything from fuel cells to hydrogen technology.
“Saddleback College is partnering with regional community colleges to develop and implement training that exceeds industry expectations,” the college wrote in its funding proposal. “The funds received will be used for the planning and installation of a fast DC Charger as well as pay costs associated with course development.”
The college also plans to introduce a new class on vinyl vehicle wrapping into the alternative fuel program. The course will be a partnership with the graphic design program and offer another skill to students in order to make them well rounded.
Saddleback will also purchase a Nissan Leaf, which will allow it to join other colleges in the area in participating in the first responder alternative fuel vehicle training. Other training sites in California are: Fresno City College, Modesto Junior College, Yuba College, El Camino College, and Rio Hondo College.
“We are geographically positioned to become the sixth training center and meet the training needs of first responders between Orange County and San Diego,” the funding proposal states. “We are also well positioned to become the fourth community college to become an Advanced Transportation Technologies and Energy Center.”
