Youth Education Gains Speed at the Sun Technical Institute
HERSHEY, PA – How do you engage the next generation of automotive enthusiasts in the car hobby? A simple answer: give them tools and let them create. For select students in the SUN Technical Institute (New Berlin, PA) Collision Repair Technology, this means an opportunity to design, build, and ultimately raise money for their school and program.
Since late 2024, SUN Technical Institute’s students have been transforming pedal cars into works of art. Their goal: build, display, and auction them at the Spring Carlisle Collector Car Auction, April 24–25, at the Carlisle Expo Center. Seven teams of two collaborated to craft these masterpieces. Four teams designed 1955 Chevys, and three created Ford Roadsters. While the cars started as basic kits, each team developed unique concepts, executed bodywork, prepared and painted the cars, and delivered unique presentations ahead of the auction.
Coming March 13, 2025 to the AACA Museum Inc.
This automotive restoration education experience is extending beyond the classroom. Their pedal car restoration projects will be prominently displayed here at the AACA Museum, Inc. of Hershey before moving to the Carlisle Auctions’ Expo Center to be showcased for their Spring event and auction. The unveiling anticipation is high!
Full Speed Ahead to Carlisle Auctions Expo Center
During the Spring Carlisle event, held April 23–27 at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds, the Sun Tech students and their pedal cars will take center stage at the Auction. Proceeds from the sales will be donated to SUN Technical Institute’s automotive program, courtesy of Carlisle Auctions.
In addition to the auction, SUN students and their instructor, John Reeder, will explore the automotive flea market at the fairgrounds, which hosts 8,100 vendor spaces filled with millions of car parts and collectibles. The immersive experience draws nearly 100,000 automotive enthusiasts from around the world.
The journey has been documented by Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions on social media through photos and videos. The Carlisle team also visited SUN Technical Institute to capture the students’ progress firsthand.
“One of our team’s priorities is keeping the car hobby alive for future generations,” said Tony Cline, Director of Auction Operations. “This means investing in youth and sharing our passion with them. When Mr. Reeder proposed his idea, we were thrilled to support it. Our newest team member, Jason Ramey, spearheaded this partnership with Mr. Reeder. What began as a small initiative has grown significantly, involving students beyond Mr. Reeder’s class. We couldn’t be more proud and hope this experience creates lasting memories for the students,” added Cline.
Sun Technical Institutes Collision Repair Team
Collision Repair Technology Instructor John Reeder expressed his gratitude: “The students and I are thrilled to partner with Carlisle Auctions on this fundraising project. I reached out with a small idea, and their team has taken it to a whole new level. In fact, it’s been so popular at the school that students from outside of my collision repair class have been able to participate and support us too. We’re excited about the direction this project is heading.”
