Paola Falquez
Staff Writer
On a sun-soaked afternoon at Broward College’s South Campus, the sounds of roaring engines and excited chatter filled the air as students and car enthusiasts gathered for the annual fall semester car meet. Sponsored by the Automotive Service Management program in collaboration with Student Life, the event offered a unique glimpse into the passion and ability of BC’s budding automotive professionals.
This year’s car meet, while still growing in popularity, played a crucial role in promoting the college’s Automotive Service Management program. With fewer students enrolled than expected, the program’s faculty and organizers saw the meet as an opportunity to highlight the skills taught in their courses and draw more attention to what they see as a highly valuable career path.
The car meet is their way of showing the college community what the students are capable of. It is hands-on learning, and every car that participated stands for hours of work, dedication, and knowledge.
The two-semester program, which runs in the summer and fall, equips students with the technical skills and industry knowledge they need to thrive in the fast-evolving automotive field. Though it has historically struggled with enrollment numbers, there has been a noticeable increase in student interest since last year, with the event itself becoming an effective recruitment tool.
A Student-Driven Show
All the cars displayed at the event were student-owned, with many participants coming from the automotive program itself. From sleek, modern imports to restored vintage classics, each vehicle on display reflected the challenging work of its owner. Students spoke enthusiastically about their projects, sharing the challenges and triumphs of keeping and upgrading their cars.
“This event is one of the highlights of my semester,” said Luis, a student in the program. “I have been working on this car since I enrolled in the program, and this meet gave me a chance to show people what I have learned. I hope more students join us next semester.”
For many students, the meet offered a platform to connect with others who share their love of cars, fostering a sense of community within the program and beyond. Samuel Marmelejos, another student, praised the event’s atmosphere. “It is not just about the cars—it is about meeting people who are passionate about the same things you are. We get to bond over a shared interest, which makes the program feel less like school and more like family.”
Promoting a Program
on the Rise
Despite its low visibility on campus, the Automotive Service Management program has been gaining momentum. Faculty members hope that events like this car meet will continue to raise awareness and attract more students, particularly as the demand for skilled automotive technicians continues to rise.
The professors share their optimis m about the future. They have seen growth this year and expect it to continue. The auto industry is evolving, and there are so many opportunities for students with the right training. Their goal is to make sure the students are ready.
The car meet has become a staple of the fall semester, with plans to expand in the coming years to include more vehicles, larger crowds, and even partnerships with local automotive businesses.
Looking Ahead
As the engines quieted and the crowds began to disperse, it was clear that this year’s car meet had left an impression. Students, faculty, and spectators alike left the event with a deeper appreciation for the skill and dedication that goes into the automotive craft—and for the program that fosters such talent.
With the growing interest in the Automotive Service Management program, it is likely that Broward College will see even more students behind the wheel next semester, ready to rev up for their future careers.
falqp@mail.broward.edu
