SEMA & Santa Fe ECO Jeep Build

This pilot project involves a collaboration between SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) and the Santa Fe Early College Opportunities Applied Science Magnet School (Santa Fe ECO), a magnet high school that provides applied sciences and tech training along with traditional academic classes. The proposed pilot project is with ECO’s Auto Tech School, which features extensive automotive training. The Jeep build began in late 2017 with the delivery of a 2015 4WD Jeep Wrangler Unlimited to students at Santa Fe ECO Auto Shop Program in Santa Fe, NM. Students have begun with identifying priorities and creating a plan for the project, which will be sold by the end of the school year in May 2018.

"Our hope is that the one-time purchase and vehicle donation will initiate an on-going program at the school and allow hundreds of students to participate over the years," SEMA Board of Directors Chairman Wade Kawasaki. "We are optimistic and excited about this program and look forward to seeing what the students accomplish."

This project aims to inspire youth to participate in the automotive customization lifestyle by promoting or creating hands-on and virtual experiences. While also providing performance aftermarket technical knowledge and experience to young people interested in automotive careers.

"The Santa Fe ECO is dedicated to training and preparing students for careers in the automotive industry," said Auto Collision Technology Instructor Chris Coriz. "Having an actual vehicle to work on is incredibly valuable. We’re excited and appreciative to SEMA for supporting our program."