High school seniors invited to apply for Highlands College accelerated pathway to A.A.S. in Automotive Technology

Highlands College is now accepting applications for a new accelerated pathway to an A.A.S. degree in Automotive Technology. The program will allow current high school seniors to earn their degree with opportunities for scholarship aid to assist with cost and paid work-based learning. 

“This program will provide potential students an opportunity to have an effective career in the automotive industry,” Highlands College Dean Karen VanDaveer said. “This partnership will include Highlands College scholarships and industry job possibilities.”

Current Montana high school seniors will enroll in Spring 2024 courses. They will take online dual enrollment classes during the final semester of their senior year. Classes begin Jan. 8. Travel to campus will not be required for the dual enrollment semester. There will be opportunities for paid work-based learning for the students in Summer 2024.

The students will continue on as degree seeking first-year students in the automotive technology program in Fall 2024, take classes in Spring 2025, and will finish in Summer 2025. Students may be eligible for up to $1,500 in scholarships per semester, significantly reducing the cost of the degree. Students must complete the FAFSA to be eligible for the scholarship. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for an automotive technician in 2022 was $46,970 per year, or $22.58 per hour. About 67,700 openings for automotive service technicians and mechanics are projected each year, on average, over the decade in the U.S., according to the bureau. 

Prospective students or parents or student guardians should contact Public Education Coordinator Kinsley Rafish at 406-496-4684 or krafish@mtech.edu for more information. To apply, click here.

To schedule a campus visit and learn more about Highlands College, click here.