Raceway Ford Donates Vehicle to FDTC
Florence-Darlington Tech (FDTC) students will have a new opportunity to gain hands-on experience with modern vehicle technology thanks to the donation of a 2025 Ford Escape from Raceway Ford through Ford Motor Company’s Automotive Career Exploration (ACE) program.
“Our business has always depended on talented, well-trained people, and developing that talent begins with education,” President & CEO, Raceway Ford & Chevrolet, John Isgett said. “At Raceway Ford, we're grateful to partner with Ford Motor Company in making this donation possible and proud to support Florence-Darlington Technical College in preparing students for rewarding careers in the automotive industry,”
The Ford ACE program is a free partnership between Ford Motor Company, participating dealerships, and educational institutions designed to prepare the next generation of automotive technicians.
The program provides high school and postsecondary technical education students with access to official Ford web-based training courses. Participating dealerships may also support student learning through vehicle, tool, and equipment donations that provide opportunities for hands-on instruction. Upon completing their training, students can apply their earned certifications toward employment opportunities at Ford and Lincoln dealerships.
“This donation provides an invaluable hands-on training resource for our students,” Automotive, Diesel, and HVAC Department Chair Keith McKenzie said. “We appreciate Ford Motor Company and Raceway Ford for their partnership with us here at Florence-Darlington Tech and for helping prepare our students to meet the needs of our regional automotive employers.”
Through the Ford ACE program, FDTC students gain access to specialized Ford technician training. The addition of the 2025 Ford Escape gives students the opportunity to put that knowledge into practice using current automotive technology.
“Having a 2025 Ford Escape in our lab allows them to apply that training and their classroom instruction to current vehicle technology while developing skills in inspection, maintenance, diagnosis, and repair,” he said.
FDTC offers an associate degree in Automotive Technology that prepares students for careers as automotive service technicians. The program also includes electric vehicle service training to help students develop skills relevant to the evolving automotive industry. In addition, the college offers certifications in Basic Automotive and Auto Body Repair.
For more information about Florence-Darlington Tech’s Automotive Program please visit fdtc.edu/academics/programs/automotive-technology.