COC’s Automotive Technology students share program complaints at board meeting

May 16, 2026 - 06:35

A group of students from College of the Canyons' Automotive Technology program brought their frustrations directly to the district's governing board on Wednesday. Eleven students and one instructor occupied the front rows of the regular board meeting, signaling a coordinated effort to air grievances about the current state of the program.

The students outlined a series of complaints regarding the program's equipment, curriculum, and overall direction. Several attendees described working with outdated tools and vehicles that do not reflect modern industry standards. Others pointed to a lack of clear communication from faculty and administration regarding course schedules and certification pathways. The presence of the instructor alongside the students suggests that some staff members share these concerns about the program's decline.

While the board listened to the testimony, no immediate action was taken. Officials acknowledged the feedback and stated they would review the issues raised. The Automotive Technology program has long been a flagship vocational offering at the college, but these complaints indicate a growing disconnect between student expectations and the resources provided. As the meeting concluded, the students expressed hope that their voices would lead to tangible improvements in the coming months.