Butler Auto Tech Program Receives Sizable Gift Via Eck Auto Group

Butler Community College’s Automotive Technology program received a $16,000 gift from the NADA Foundation at the recommendation of Les Eck, owner of Rusty Eck Ford. The gift itself is a NADA Foundation Ambassador Grant and will support Auto Tech students in their hands-on training to become automotive professionals.

“There are two people you cannot live without in a car business: salespeople and technicians,” Eck Auto Group CEO Kyle Eck said. “Salespeople sell the cars and technicians keep them on the road.” Eck is committed to continuing the partnership with Butler’s Auto Tech program to further benefit Butler Auto Tech student learning. This will also ensure students enter the workforce with the latest technology and industry training.

“Eck Auto Group is a longtime partner and supporter of the Butler Community College Automotive Technology Program,” Associate Dean of Career and Technical Education Derek Foust said. “Butler Automotive Technology students also intern in the area at Rusty Eck and other dealerships, with many of them securing full time employment after finishing their program.”

The Auto Tech program has benefited from past donations and involvement from Rusty Eck Ford due to the decade-long partnership.  

“Our program has been extremely successful due to partnerships like this,” Lead Auto Tech Instructor Mark Jaye said. “Without their backing, these programs don’t exist.”