A custom Jeep designed by high school students in partnership with the Specialty Equipment Market Association has sold at an auction for more than $53,000.
“The industry has really supported this project,” Zane Clark, SEMA senior director of education, said in a news release. “Their generosity has elevated the build beyond our expectations and created a once-in-a-lifetime learning experience for the students.”’
The 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited was built by students at the Santa Fe Early College Opportunities Auto Tech School in New Mexico. More than 20 companies donated parts to the project, which began late last year.
One of the sponsors, Jeremy Headlee of Icon Vehicle Dynamics, recently visited the school to tour the facility and meet with the students.
“The Jeep build created excitement with the students, who were engaged, answering my questions, and asking some of their own,” Headlee said at the time. “These students represent the fuel that will keep the industry pushing forward, and the program demonstrates to young people that they can make a living doing something they love.”
SEMA and supporters of the Jeep project are hoping other schools could initiate similar build programs.
“If successful, this program model can be expanded into auto-tech programs around the country, introducing young people to cool cars and trucks, automotive specialty equipment and potential careers in this segment of the industry,” SEMA said in a different news release.