ERIC Number: EJ720399
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2005-Oct
Pages: 3
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1527-1803
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Motorcycle Diaries
Gibbs, Hope J.
Techniques: Connecting Education and Careers, v80 n7 p31-33 Oct 2005
This article relates the experiences of Jeff Fischer, an instructor in the Computer Integrated Machining department at South Central College (SCC) in North Mankato, Minnesota. Facing dwindling student enrollment and possible departmental budget costs, Fischer was able to turn his passion for custom-built cycles and the intricate machining that goes into building one, into a successful program for his department. Fischer used non-traditional marketing and recruiting (high school speaking tours, displays at local speedways, mailing of brochures to high school juniors and seniors throughout Southern Minnesota) to attract students to the new program. The efforts paid off, and enrollment in computer integrated machining increased. During the program's first year, students built the jig, a fixture used to hold all the components during welding. Then they began work on building their own motorcycle frame. A $500 fee in addition to tuition is required for parts, but in the end, each student has built a frame worth 10 times that amount to purchase. Of course, more parts are required to complete the bike. There are the engine, gas tank and fenders, to name a few, and once these are added on, the total cost of the bike will be around the $15,000 to $20,000 range. But for the students, the experience and joy of creating their own custom-built bikes: priceless.
Descriptors: Skilled Workers, Enrollment, High School Students, Student Recruitment, Motor Vehicles, Vocational Education
Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) Headquarters, 1410 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Tel: 703-683-3111.
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: High Schools; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Minnesota
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A