Ford Motor Company Donates Vehicle to Granbury ISD’s Automotive CTE Program
Partnership Enhances Career Development Opportunities for Local Students
Release Courtesy: Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, in collaboration with Shottenkirk Ford Granbury, has announced a generous donation of a vehicle to Granbury Independent School District (ISD) in support of the district’s Automotive Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. This contribution is part of Ford's ongoing commitment to supporting education, workforce development, and providing students with hands-on learning experiences that align with current industry standards.
The vehicle will allow students in the automotive program to engage with the latest technology, providing them with the real-world experience necessary to succeed in the automotive field. Through this donation, Ford aims to directly address the growing need for skilled automotive technicians and help students develop the expertise required to excel in the industry.
The CTE program was selected largely due to the advocacy of John Whittler Director of Technical Development for Shottenkirk Ford, who recognized the significant potential within the Granbury Automotive program. “We are incredibly grateful to Shottenkirk Ford and Ford Motor Company for their continued investment in the education of our students,” said Michael Beauchamp, Automotive Instructor at Granbury High School. “This vehicle donation will significantly enhance our program by giving students access to the most up-to-date automotive technologies. It will not only help them build technical skills but also prepare them for future career opportunities.”
Granbury High School launched the Ford ACE program last year, offering automotive students an opportunity to receive specialized training from Ford before entering the workforce or pursuing further education. The partnership with Shottenkirk Ford ensures that students have the resources and mentorship they need to succeed in the automotive industry. Ford’s recognition of the program’s growth—evidenced by the creation of 77 student profiles—has led to the donation of this vehicle to further support the students’ hands-on learning.
“We are thrilled to support Granbury ISD’s CTE program,” said Joe Arreola at Ford Motor Company. “The automotive industry is facing a shortage of skilled technicians, and we believe that cultivating talent from a young age is the key to addressing this challenge. Granbury ISD has shown incredible dedication to training the next generation of automotive professionals, and we are proud to be a part of that journey.”
Ford’s donation is part of the company’s broader initiative to create long-term solutions for the automotive workforce shortage by developing skilled technicians from the ground up. The program allows high school students to gain hands-on experience with the same types of vehicles they will encounter in dealerships, preparing them to step into the workforce as competent, well-trained technicians.
“We are committed to creating a continuous pipeline of skilled workers for the automotive industry, and Granbury ISD’s program is an ideal example of how we can work together to develop tomorrow’s technicians,” added Joe Arreola.
Granbury ISD’s CTE program, under the leadership of instructor Michael Beauchamp, has become a model for success, providing students with valuable exposure to real-world automotive repair practices. The Ford donation will further elevate the program, helping to shape a new generation of skilled technicians ready to meet the demands of the automotive industry.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is a global automotive leader committed to building a better world through its products, services, and partnerships. With a focus on sustainability, workforce development, and innovation, Ford continues to make strides in transforming the industry and supporting the next generation of skilled professionals.
About Shottenkirk Automotive
Shottenkirk Ford Granbury is proud to be one of 26 dealerships within the Shottenkirk Automotive Group. As part of our commitment to supporting local communities, our Granbury locations have been actively involved with the Granbury ISD CTE program. Currently, we have over 20 students participating in internships not only at Shottenkirk Ford, but also at our Toyota, Hyundai, and Shottenkirk Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram locations. We are proud to have hired over 12 graduates from this program.
Shottenkirk Automotive Group is a family-owned business with over 60 years of experience in the automotive industry. With 27 dealerships across six states and a team of more than 2,500 employees nationwide.
About Granbury ISD
Granbury ISD serves the Granbury, Texas, community by providing exceptional educational opportunities for students across a variety of disciplines, including Career and Technical Education. The district is dedicated to preparing students for both post-secondary success and entry into the workforce through hands-on learning and industry partnerships.
For more information about Granbury ISD’s Automotive CTE program, please contact:
Michael Beauchamp [email protected]