Students in the automotive technology program at Arkansas State University-Beebe are gaining a head start in their careers due to the Metallica Scholars Initiative, which provided a $75,000 grant last September.
Through the Metallica Scholars Initiative, grant scholarship funds were used to purchase 15 industry-quality automotive toolkits – valued at approximately $1,200. Thirteen toolkits were distributed to the first-semester automotive technology students, while two additional toolkits were presented to the highest-scoring high school students on the Automotive Service Excellence industry standards examination.
Each student received a Milwaukee Packout backpack filled with wrenches, ratchets, socket sets, adjustable wrenches, pry bars, mini hook and pick sets and fastback compact folding utility knives.
Students receiving the toolkits included Jacob Carter, Connor Boyd, Marleigh Bickham, John Sifuna, Zach McKinney, Jackson Dillon, Dylan Clay, Eros Castero, Evan White, Joshua Smith, Keagan Hodge, Owen Sterling, Coda Weston, Jeremiah Alders and Dakota Brown.
“The impact of the grant has been immediate and meaningful,” said Aaron Hicks, automotive technology instructor. “Through this grant, we are excited to provide our students with industry grade toolkits that they can take with them throughout their careers.”
Beyond scholarship funds, the grant has enhanced the program’s instructional resources. Funding allowed the purchase of a Lucas Nuelle CarTrain ASE L3 Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Specialist Trainer, giving students real-world exposure to EV systems and diagnostics in a controlled learning environment.
“These resources have strengthened our curriculum, increased student engagement and better prepared our students for careers in today’s evolving automotive and EV industries,” Hicks said.
The advanced equipment, paired with new curriculum, allows students to build hands-on skills in electric and hybrid vehicle diagnostics, repair and safety procedures, preparing them for the growing demand for Automotive Service Excellence hybrid/electric certifications.
“We are extremely grateful to the Metallica Scholars Initiative program for their continued support of skilled‑trade education,” said Dr. Blake Perkins, vice chancellor for academics. “The Metallica initiative has significantly enhanced our automotive technology program by allowing us to expand both our instructional capabilities and our hands‑on learning opportunities.”
Additionally, the initiative creates opportunities for future non-credit training that will allow working technicians to upskill in electric vehicle technology. By offering pathways for both traditional students and current workers, ASU-Beebe is preparing to meet the state’s demand for skilled EV technicians while advancing regional economic development.
“We are also grateful to our school and industry partners …” said Christopher Thompson, automotive technology instructor. “These partnerships ensure our students have access to the best equipment and training available, which helps us prepare top-tier technicians to enter the workforce. We look forward to what’s ahead, the future is bright.”
ASU-Beebe was selected to join 15 institutions nationwide to receive the Metallica Scholars Initiative, aimed at strengthening automotive technology education.
“This grant allows us to not only expand our automotive technology program – it lets us change the trajectory of students’ lives,” said Dr. Jennifer Methvin, ASU-Beebe chancellor. “We are honored to be part of the Metallica Scholars Initiative and excited to grow the future workforce of Arkansas.”
