Morrie’s Minnetonka Ford Donates 2023 Lincoln Aviator
Brooklyn Park, September 19, 2024
Hennepin Technical College, home of the only Ford Automotive Student Service Education Training (ASSET) program in Minnesota, has received a donation of a 2023 Lincoln Aviator from Morrie’s Minnetonka Ford Lincoln. Fully-equipped with the latest technology, this donation gives students the needed exposure to contemporary vehicle features, preparing them for employment in a high-demand industry.
Tom DeMorest, Service Manager at Morrie’s Minnetonka Ford handed off the keys. “Morrie’s Automotive, and Morrie’s Minnetonka Ford in particular, have been a long-standing partner with Hennepin Tech.” DeMorest continued, “We’re excited for the program to make good use of the technology.”
Morrie’s is one of numerous Ford and Lincoln dealerships that sponsor student apprentices during their two-year Associate’s degree program. This donation brings state-of-the-art technology to the Ford ASSET classroom, allowing students to experience the technology they will encounter in the workforce.
Alison Leintz, Vice President of Advancement proudly accepted the donation. “It is not every day that we have a brand-new vehicle, with state-of-the-art technology donated to the College.” Leintz said. When asked about the importance of the donation, Leintz mention, “Donations like these really help enhance our programs and the learning experience for our students. It gives them the opportunity to work on the advanced technologies that they will see industry before they complete their education.”
According to Leintz, Hennepin Tech Transportation-related education programs, including Auto Body Technology, Automotive Technology, Medium Heavy Truck Technology and Ford ASSET, are seeing full classrooms and lab spaces for Fall term. Leintz continued to stress the high workforce need for skilled automotive technicians. “It’s nice to see students engaged and wanting to understand the industry. We’re glad to make use of industry donations to help keep our classrooms and labs on the cutting-edge to help us prepare the next generation of highly skilled technicians.”
About Ford ASSET
Ford ASSET was launched at Hennepin Tech in 1985 in collaboration with the Ford Motor Company and local Ford Dealers. The Ford ASSET program is a collaboration between technical college campuses and Ford and Lincoln dealerships. This partnership gives students an opportunity to learn the trade while earning a living wage. Students alternate for six to eight weeks in the classroom and six to eight weeks with their sponsoring Ford or Lincoln dealer over a two-year period. At the end of the two years, they earn an Associate’s degree and valuable in-dealer experience.
About Hennepin Technical College
Founded in 1972, Hennepin Tech is the largest stand-alone technical college in Minnesota. With campuses in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie, the college offers degree and non-degree courses in over 40 programs in the skilled trades and high-demand career fields. Achieving a high job placement rate, Hennepin Tech prepares students for high-paying employment opportunities.
About Hennepin Tech Office of Advancement
The Office of Advancement supports Hennepin Tech’s mission by fostering meaningful connections with alumni, friends, industry partners, private foundations and government agencies. In partnership with the Foundation, the Office of Advancement provides stakeholders with positive communications and experiences that lead to pride, advocacy and philanthropic support for the college. The Foundation, is the college’s tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) direct support organization, serving as the recipient and trustee of all charitable donations to Hennepin Tech. Donations to the Hennepin Tech Foundation support student scholarships, student crisis funds, student success initiatives, and academic program enhancements and equipment needs.