Megan Strickland
Marketing and Communications Specialist Montana Tech
When Beaverhead County High School senior Chase Brown crosses the high school graduation stage in May, he’ll be on track to launch a career as an automotive technician in a year. That’s because Brown took advantage of Highlands College of Montana Tech’s Automotive Technology Sprint Degree.
The Sprint Degree program allows students to take the general education courses required for the Associate of Science in Automotive Technology degree online while in high school. Students then matriculate to Highlands College where they complete the hands-on portion of the degree in three semesters, including one summer session.
“The Sprint Automotive Program is a fantastic opportunity for high school students to gain hands-on experience in the automotive field while simultaneously earning dual credit,” Director of Community Education and Industry Partnership Kinsley Rafish said. “These courses allow students to get a head start on their careers by acquiring technical skills that are in high demand. By earning college credit while still in high school, students save time and money, allowing them to enter the workforce or pursue further education with a solid foundation. The dual credit option opens doors for more advanced opportunities and helps students stand out in a competitive job market.”
Brown has enjoyed the program so far.
“I found out about the automotive sprint program through a small pamphlet that my high school counselor provided me with,” Brown said. “My experience with the program has been great. Thanks to Kinsley Bennett’s help, my progress through the program has been very easy and simple. The biggest challenge I have faced so far has been completing the required classes, but they were straightforward, and most teachers offer extra help when needed. My biggest triumph in the program was knowing that all my prerequisite classes would be complete before going to Highlands College for automotive mechanics.”
Brown highlighted his favorite parts of the trade.
“I enjoy automotive technology as there will always be something different in the workday,” Brown said. “Each project will be different from another and that is what makes the career interesting to me.”
Brown encourages other Montana high school students to take part in the program.
“I would recommend this program to students interested in trades,” Brown said. “The program allows students to enter the trade earlier, and with more affordable tuition than if they started the program after high school.”
The program is accepting applications from high school seniors to begin in Spring 2025. The deadline to apply is January 8, 2025. Due to limited availability, acceptance into the program will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Scholarships may be available. To qualify, students will need to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. To learn more or get signed up for classes contact Kinsley Bennett at krafish@mtech.edu or (406) 496-4684.
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