Five Waubonsee Automotive Technology students have emerged as finalists competing for the first-time ever in the Mopar® Career Automotive Program (CAP) Bracket Challenge Finals in Auburn Hills, MI.
The Mopar® CAP Bracket Challenge is a unique national competition featuring technical and curriculum-based bracket 'knockout'-style contests. Its primary aim is to underscore the significant shortage of automotive technicians in the real world while equipping students with the necessary skills to enter the workforce.
Waubonsee students were among the few to advance to the finals after winning three previous rounds out of 16 schools across the United States. In the finals, they will compete in four 40-minute modules comprising hands-on activities on multiple Stellantis vehicles. The Waubonsee students invited to compete are:
- Jose Gallegos of Oswego
- Aaron Fisher of Aurora
- Mason Seput of Joliet
- Briana Powell of Channahon
- Josh Stover of Maple Park (Competed in rounds 1-3)
During their competition, Waubonsee students will work on some of the industry's hottest vehicles and test the skills they learned at Waubonsee. Professor of Automotive Technology Ken Kunz says this competition will be like no other in which Waubonsee has ever participated.
"This competition is giving our students at Waubonsee the lifetime opportunity to become tomorrow's technicians and get visibility into what manufacturers are still dreaming about in their design processes," says Kunz.
Competing schools will earn a 2018 Dodge Demon on loan at the school until next summer. The champion team will also receive a $500 lunch gift, a special message from Dodge Mopar Motorsports drivers, and Mac Tools.
The Mopar® Career Automotive Program has partnered with 100 colleges and technical schools nationwide, providing students with tools to turn their passion into a career. Visit mopar.com to learn more.
Waubonsee's Automotive Technology Program equips students with the necessary skills to work in high-wage and high-demand careers. The program's classes are designed to help students prepare for select ASE certification tests. Waubonsee Community College's Automotive Technology Program is an ASE Master certified and ASE Education Foundation accredited program.
Waubonsee Community College is currently constructing a state-of-the-art Technical Education Center (TEC) at the Sugar Grove Campus, which will cover an area of 100,000 sq ft. This facility is expected to open in the fall of 2025 and will serve as the central hub for Waubonsee's Automotive Technology Program and other Career and Technical Education Programs, providing impetus for economic growth in cleantech and sustainability careers. Learn more at waubonsee.edu/TEC.
Pictured above: Waubonsee Community College President Dr. Brian Knetl (center) supports Automotive Technology students who were selected to advance to the Mopar® Career Automotive Program (CAP) Bracket Challenge, including (from left to right) Josh Stover, Briana Powell, Mason Seput, and Aaron Fisher (not pictured: Jose Gallegos).
