SANFORD - The Central Carolina Community College Foundation has received funding from the RPM Foundation to support the restoration of a 1940 Ford by the CCCC Automotive Restoration Technology program.

The grant allows the college to purchase the supplies needed to turn this 1940 Ford into a show-worthy vehicle that will be used for student instruction for years to come.

"We were thrilled to receive the 1940 Ford project grant from RPM Foundation," said Kiel Rhodes, CCCC Automotive Restoration Instructor. "A grant like the one received enables students to see and participate in completing a real world project. Support for these learning projects helps students acquire hands-on skills and helps give them the confidence needed to be a successful restoration technician."

"The RPM Foundation is proud to support great programs like Central Carolina Community College's restoration school," said Nick Ellis, RPM Foundation Executive Director. "It all comes full circle here - Creative Workshop, one of the shops in our network, referred the donor of the '40 Ford project, RPM assisted the school project with grant funding, and when the students learning on this project eventually enter the workforce, the industry is strengthened. To an organization like ours that exists to preserve skills and promote careers, it's a perfect situation."

The 1940 Ford was donated and the project started in January 2020. "The '40 Ford is a customized vehicle, so when finished would be considered more of a street rod than an original restoration," said Rhodes. "The vehicle needed sheet metal work, body work, as well as paint work and upholstery. There were also some mechanical and wiring issues that needed correcting. It will then need to be completely reassembled. It has been a great teaching project."

The goal is to have the vehicle project completed by November 2021.

The CCCC Automotive Restoration Technology program takes pride in the opportunity to instruct the next generation of automotive restoration enthusiasts. The program provides hands-on instruction in a wide range of unique restoration skills such as metal/panel forming, welding, wood working, upholstery, body work, engines, electrical, painting, and restoration research.

The CCCC Automotive Restoration Technology program includes Diploma and Certificate options.

To learn more about the CCCC Automotive Restoration Technology program, visit www.cccc.edu/curriculum/majors/automotiverestoration.

"The CCCC Foundation is grateful for the generous support from the RPM Foundation," said Dr. Emily C. Hare, CCCC Foundation Executive Director. "Thanks to this RPM grant, our Automotive Restoration Technician students will receive valuable hands-on training in becoming skilled craftsmen."

The CCCC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization affiliated with, but independent of, Central Carolina Community College. It receives donations of money and equipment on behalf of the college and uses them to promote its educational mission and assist students through scholarships and grants.

For more information about the Foundation, its work and events, visit www.cccc.edu/foundation.

For more information on Central Carolina Community College - which is dedicated to providing pathways to achievable dreams, visit www.cccc.edu.