Current Programs
Automotive Resource Center (CalARC)
The Automotive Resource Center is an online hub developed for students and professionals in the automotive industry to help locate training programs and certification courses, find job opportunities in their region, and connect with automotive professionals throughout the state.
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Climate Strategies
Climate change negatively impacts Californians' health, livelihood, housing, and safety, with effects falling disproportionately on those in disadvantaged communities. The California Community Colleges can lead the charge in preparing communities for climate-driven transformations that are already underway.
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Disadvantaged Communities Outreach
We utilize our statewide reach, our network of colleges, and our understanding of California’s diverse populations to help Californians take advantage of public environmental programs. In partnership with the California Air Resources Board, the Foundation is conducting outreach to eligible governmental, community, and consumer groups to raise awareness for California Climate Investments and accelerate California’s clean energy economy.
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Replace Your Ride
The Replace Your Ride program helps people trade in their older, high polluting vehicles for a more fuel-efficient option. Options include: a new or newer vehicle, a hybrid or electric vehicle, discounts on car-sharing or vanpooling, or a public transit pass. This program is created for vehicle owners in the South Coast Air Basin who meet the income eligibility requirements.
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Smog Check Referee Program
The Smog Check Referee program, conducted in partnership with the California Bureau of Automotive Repair, was created to improve the smog check process and help reduce air pollution. Referee centers are located on over 30 Community College campuses and provide emissions test facilities with enhanced resources. Through the Technician Training program, Referee centers also provide students with paid instruction and hands- on experience.
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Student Technician Training Program
Through the Smog Check Referee program, automotive technology students at California Community Colleges can gain paid experience while training to become licensed smog technicians. This training, operated through a partnership with the Bureau of Automotive Repair, helps to ensure that the students learn the essential skills necessary to become competent, high performing professional technicians in today’s automotive test and repair industry.
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Former Programs
HEROS
The High Emitters Repair or Scrap (HEROS) program was a cooperative effort between South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) and the Foundation for California Community Colleges that operated between March of 2012 and May of 2013. This incentive program was designed to reduce the number of high polluting vehicles on the road. Students were hired to help administer the program and staff the call center.
Small Engine Repair Program
The Small Engine Program was a 300-hour comprehensive training series that provided students with paid instruction and hands-on experience. Each candidate was carefully selected and instructors worked closely with each student. Each participating college received a wide range of support services ranging from curriculum, tools, equipment, and access to many other valuable resources.
VRRRM
VRRRM (Vehicle Repair, Retirement, and Replacement for Motorists) was an incentive program designed to reduce the number of high emitting vehicles on the road. The program operated between March of 2010 and August of 2012 and was funded by $20,000,000 from the Unocal Reformulated Fuel Settlement. Events were held on several Community College Campuses, allowing us to hire students to help administer program and to staff call center. VRRRM paid for approved emissions-related diagnostics and repairs that resulted in a significant and durable emissions reduction.
- VRRRM for CAP: A statewide assistance program that supplements the Bureau of Automotive Repair’s Consumer Assistance Program for vehicle repair.
- VRRRM for PASS: An initiative to add a vehicle repair component to the Polluting Automobile Scrap and Salvage program in the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District.
- VRRRM for HEROS: A component that complements the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s High Emitter Replace or Scrap 2 ( HEROS2) program by offering Southern California consumers cash incentives to retire or replace their qualified high-emitting vehicle.