McFatter Technical College & High School in BCPS receives a $100,000 donation from the Advance Auto Parts Foundation

Davie, Florida – A new investment in technical education is giving students at McFatter Technical College & High School a stronger path into the automotive industry. The Broward Education Foundation and Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) recently announced a $100,000 donation from the Advance Auto Parts Foundation aimed at strengthening the school’s Automotive Technology Program.

The contribution is more than just a financial gift. It includes professional-grade tools, training support, and resources designed to help students gain real-world skills and industry-recognized certifications. Officials say the funding will directly support students working toward Automotive Service Excellence certifications, a key credential for those entering the automotive and diesel repair fields.

At McFatter Technical College & High School, the automotive program has long been a pathway for students interested in hands-on careers. Now, with upgraded equipment and expanded learning tools, the program is expected to better mirror real industry conditions, helping students transition more smoothly from the classroom to the workforce.

Representatives from the Broward Education Foundation, Advance Auto Parts Foundation, BCPS, and McFatter joined students and instructors at a celebration event marking the donation. The gathering highlighted the growing importance of partnerships between schools and private industry, especially in areas where skilled workers are in high demand.

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Across South Florida and much of the United States, automotive technicians are increasingly difficult to find. Modern vehicles require more advanced diagnostic skills, digital tools, and technical understanding than ever before. Educators say programs like McFatter’s are essential in preparing students for these evolving demands.

“The demand for skilled automotive technicians continues to grow, and our partnership with the Broward Education Foundation and McFatter Technical College reflects Advance’s commitment to helping meet that demand through workforce readiness,” said Todd Davenport, president of the Advance Auto Parts Foundation and senior vice president, real estate and development at Advance. “Our goal is to help equip students with the skills, experiences and confidence they need to succeed in today’s workforce and beyond while also creating opportunities to coach and grow talent in the communities we serve.”

For students, the impact of the donation is expected to be immediate and practical. New tools and updated training equipment will allow them to work with systems that closely reflect those used in professional automotive shops. This kind of exposure is considered critical in technical education, where experience often matters as much as classroom instruction.

School and district leaders say the partnership is a strong example of how education and industry can work together to close workforce gaps while giving students real opportunities.

“Strong workforce partnerships are essential to preparing students for successful careers in industries that are critical to our economy,” said James A. Knapp, president and CEO of Broward Education Foundation. “We are grateful to the Advance Auto Parts Foundation for this extraordinary investment in McFatter Technical College & High School’s Automotive Technology Program. By helping students earn industry credentials and access the tools they need to succeed, this gift will create opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom and into lifelong careers.”

BCPS leadership echoed that sentiment, pointing to the broader impact of career and technical education programs. Officials say these programs are especially important for students who want to enter the workforce directly after graduation or pursue specialized certifications rather than traditional four-year degrees.

“This partnership represents the kind of real-world opportunity that transforms students’ futures. By investing in industry certifications, hands-on training and the tools professionals use every day, we are ensuring our students graduate prepared for high-demand careers that strengthen our local and national economy,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn. “We are grateful to the Advance Auto Parts Foundation for supporting our commitment to expanding career and technical education pathways and opening doors for every student to succeed.”

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The automotive field remains one of the most stable and high-demand skilled trades, with ongoing shortages of trained technicians. As vehicles become more complex, especially with the rise of hybrid and electric systems, employers are looking for workers with updated training and certifications. Programs like the one at McFatter aim to meet that demand by combining classroom instruction with hands-on experience.

Students enrolled in the Automotive Technology Program now have access to improved learning tools and resources that align more closely with industry standards. This includes equipment used in diagnostic testing, engine repair, and electronic system analysis. Educators say this type of exposure is key to building confidence and competence before students enter the job market.

Beyond technical skills, the program also focuses on preparing students for certification exams that can significantly improve employment opportunities. The Automotive Service Excellence certifications supported through this program are widely recognized in the industry and often required by employers.

The donation also reflects a broader trend in education: increasing collaboration between schools and private companies to ensure students graduate with job-ready skills. In technical fields especially, partnerships like this can make the difference between theoretical learning and practical career readiness.

Officials involved in the partnership say the goal is long-term impact. By investing in students now, they hope to build a stronger pipeline of skilled workers who can support both local businesses and the national economy in the years ahead.

For McFatter students, the message is clear — the classroom is no longer just a place to learn theory. With upgraded tools, industry support, and certification pathways, it is becoming a direct launch point into professional automotive careers.

More information about the Automotive Technology Program at McFatter Technical College & High School can be found at mcfattertechnicalcollege.edu/automotive-service-technology/.