Ford Motor Company Focuses on SUNY Canton's Automotive Program

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CANTON, NY (09/28/2018) Ford Motor Company has added more Focus to SUNY Canton's Automotive Technology program.

Representatives from the prominent American car company, along with staff from Blevins Ford Inc. in Gouverneur, recently presented the college with a late-model Ford Focus. The car will be used exclusively by students to hone their mechanical skills and help them prepare for their chosen careers.

"This donation gives our students hands-on access to some of the latest advancements available on the motor vehicle market," said Assistant Professor Brandon J. Baldwin, curriculum coordinator for the program. "It is imperative for them to have access to modern vehicles to earn their professional certifications. We can't thank Ford enough for this car."

The Focus was donated through the Ford Automotive Career Exploration program, which promotes engagement between educational institutions, franchised dealerships and local communities. The intent of the program is to raise awareness and increase interest in career opportunities within the automotive industry.

"We have a vested interest in supporting automotive students," said Christopher Sysock, a Ford Field Service Engineer. "We want to keep quality mechanics in the pipeline to help us continue as we grow and expand our workforce."

As the car was being delivered to its new home in the college's Auto Lab, Steve Blevins of Blevins Ford presented a monetary donation to the College Foundation to support the Leland Blevins Family Endowed Scholarship, which is awarded annually to a student entering in the Automotive Technology program.

"These donations mean so very much to the college," said Anne M. Sibley, VP for Advancement. "It helps us with our mission to introduce students to the newest technology and support students' financial needs while they are attending college."

SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran noted that the college has some of the most advanced laboratory classrooms in the state. "Partnering with Ford helps us continue to make our learning environments the very best in the SUNY system," he said.

Other vehicles in the department include a hybrid-electric SUV, sedans, trucks and a handful of other Ford Vehicles. The Automotive Technology program has 100 percent career placement for graduates.

SUNY Canton is Northern New York's premier college for career-driven bachelor's degrees, associate degrees and professional certificate programs. The college delivers quality hands-on programs in digital design, engineering technology, health, management and public service. The college's faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to outstanding academic credentials. As SUNY's leader in online education, SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as 16 online degree programs. The college's 15 athletic teams compete at the NCAA Division III level as part of the North Atlantic Conference. For more information, visit www.canton.edu.