High school students learn in new automotive shop in Yonkers

YONKERS, N.Y. (PIX11) — Some students in Yonkers are on the path to a career as well as a high school diploma thanks to a new automotive center opening on the campus of Charter School of Educational Excellence.

With tools of the trade at their fingertips at the garage, the new high-tech facility is part of the classroom instruction.

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Savannah Hayes grew up in Yonkers and is a junior at the charter high school. “I’m proud to be here,” Haynes said.

Students have their regular high school curriculum with classmates but spend another part of their daily instruction under the hood.

The Charter School of Educational Excellence was founded almost two decades ago and has grown to a thousand students in elementary, middle, and high school. A new high school building opened in 2021.

“The need is immense in this industry,” said Eduardo LaGuerre, the founder of the CSEE. “The training you get here allows you entry-level work in any dealership. They’re waiting for some of our kids to get the certification.”

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The school is working with Ford Motor Company. Earle Mitchell is a technical placement specialist with the automaker. “The average age of an auto tech is 56 years old. Going into high schools gives us a chance to see talent and they get an opportunity to be in the industry,” Mitchell said.

Victor Rodriguez with Tasca Ford Mazda Subaru says the students get a head start.

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano attended the ceremony to celebrate the new facility and possibilities. “We want our kids to be able to live work and play in the community if they choose to,” the mayor said.

Automotive tech is one of the career fields in focus at the charter school along with culinary arts and health sciences.

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