Students from Santa Fe Early College Opportunities Applied Science Magnet School (Santa Fe ECO) Auto Tech School in Santa Fe, New Mexico, are getting closer to completing the 2015 4 WD Jeep Wrangler Unlimited build, as part of the SEMA education pilot program designed to support and engage high school students in automotive. Once completed, the Jeep will be auctioned through Bring-A-Trailer in early June to raise funds for the school’s next vehicle build.

SEMA delivered the jeep to students in February 2017. Since then, the high school students have nearly completed the entire project vehicle with the help of 23 companies contributing parts and SEMA volunteer leaders working with students to help guide the project.

“The Jeep build created excitement with the students, who were engaged, answering my questions, and asking some of their own,” said Jeremy Headlee of ICON Vehicle Dynamics, a sponsor of the build. “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.”

In early June, the Jeep will be auctioned through Bring-A-Trailer. All of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to the school to fund the next vehicle build, thus creating a self-sustaining program for the students. According to SEMA, if the program is successful, this model can be expanded into auto-tech programs around the country and introduce more young people to cool cars and trucks, automotive specialty equipment and potential careers in this segment of the industry.

For information about the Santa Fe ECO Jeep build, visit sema.org/jeep-build.