JFK High School’s Automotive program has had a variety of ups and downs in their progression of getting real automotive education to its students.
After trial periods and limited classes, the program has finally reached a status of being a formal elective. However, the program still needs more support.
The Automotive Program is still just held as a regular elective as opposed to being an official course akin to MCJROTC and Culinary. The program has also faced challenges of its students and their attitude toward the actual work and duty of the program.
Mr. Polanco, the program’s teacher, described the current state of the course as a work in progress.
“I feel like it is in its infancy and it’s just getting started,” Polanco said. “We still have a ways to go.”
Behind the scenes, Mr. Polanco has been in contact with important figures across the school and district.
“I’ve talked to Mr. Brown, the principal,” Polanco said. “I’ve talked to the CTE (Career Technical Education) director and Vice Principal Steward who handles the master schedule,” he said. “The plan is next year to have an official cohort launch every year. It’s gotten a little better.”
One of the biggest challenges has been student engagement. Some students are passionate about cars and learning by getting their hands dirty, but others simply use the class as a free period.
“I think the unproductive label is valid,” Polanco admitted. “There are quite a few students who don’t do anything in my class… partly because there are quite a few students who have no interest in being in this class and they were just placed in it.”
The Clarion talked to vice principal Sonja Steward and found that some students are placed in the program without choosing it. However it is not done randomly and is a last resort to place students before semesters begin.
This imbalance has made it difficult for the serious students to thrive.
“Classes are overcrowded,” he continued. “I have limited training aids, and when you factor in students who have no interest, it creates a difficult environment for the ones who do want to be here.”
Despite these obstacles, Polanco says progress is visible.
“Every year we’re making more progress. Stuff has been ordered. Vehicles are arriving next week,” he said. “We’ve just been kind of abiding time in the classroom, but soon we’ll have actual cars to work on.”
Evan Yang states the automotive program is still working on fixing engines and cleaning the shop, but has faith the program will continue to grow.
Looking ahead to this semester, Polanco’s goals are practical, but ambitious.
“Just to finish getting the shop cleaned out,” Polanco said. “We’ll have cars to work on… and we’re going to start putting together an EV (electronic vehicle) conversion kit. I’ve reached out to Legacy EV and they’ve agreed to partner with us to develop curriculum and figure out how to incorporate that into the program.”
Other students seem to have just as much faith in the program, including seniors like Tristan Yang.
“If you’re really into cars, auto is the way to go,” Yang says. “The automotive program is very helpful to the people that want to learn a lot about cars.”
The EV component is a key part of JFK’s long-term vision. The school’s website describes the course as a “Zero-Emissions Automotive Pathway,” preparing students for careers in sustainable transportation.
Polanco agrees with the mission of zero-emission.
“The district has made significant capital investments to ensure we have the training aids we need,” Polanco said. “We have EV conversion kits, training boards… but we just don’t have students reaching the third year where those would be used yet.”
The ultimate goal is to transform the class from a general elective into a fully recognized CTE (Career Technical Education) pathway.
“The pathway is being written right now,” Polanco said. “We’ll submit it for UC Doorways approval, because as it stands, the automotive classes are still listed as general electives.”
Even with slow progress, Polanco remains confident.
“I absolutely have faith the automotive program will get better,” he said, “As long as I continue to have passionate and engaged students like yourself enrolled in it. There’s no doubt in my mind the program will continue to improve.”
With continued support, funding, and engaged students, JFK High’s Automotive program may soon shift into high gear, driving students toward the future of green automotive technology and real-world career readiness.
Additional reporting by Alex Standley.
