AC diesel mechanic program is for students and inmates

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) – Most people are aware of Amarillo College and the opportunities it provides students through various programs. But many are unaware of a special program AC has that also positions inmates for future employment.

Rob Leuthen is an instructor in the automotive and diesel program at the college.

“In this building here, we do the automotive, we do diesel, and we do the auto body. All the programs that we teach from the very beginning to the basics, all the way to advanced diesel,” he explains.

Student Soumee Sayzsith says, “From basically nothing to progressing them to a technician, or at least to entry-level technicians, and I feel Amarillo College is really helpful with that.”

But the program has a unique aspect in that it is also offered at the prison.

“Everything that we do at the prison is the same curriculum that we do here at the East Campus. Our students are selected by Windham School District and then they are sent to us. And so our faculty that also teaches here go out to the prison and teach at the prison as well,” says Holly Graham, director of prison education.

“It’s the best experience to go out there and teach with these guys because they’re just hungry. They just really want to learn. They’re the model student. They’re never late. They always do their homework,” says Leuthen.

Graham adds, “We see men that are highly motivated. They are driven. They are hungry for this. And I think that’s what makes them unique is you will not find a better group of students than those that are incarcerated because they have something to lose, but they also have something to win.”

Completing the program positions the inmates to have a positive future outlook.

“They’ll be able to do virtually anything. Everything from the basics of just maintenance, oil changes, that type of thing, all the way up to computer diagnostics. It gives them an opportunity to succeed. I mean, you know, to get out and actually get a job,” says Leuthen.

“We’re seeing men that are going to be able to get jobs and which will help decrease the recidivism rate within the state of Texas,” says Graham.

Amarillo College offers some great support in helping land good jobs.

“We have a very good relationship with all of our, we call them business leaders in the community. Like your Bruckner’s, your big truck places — as far as the diesel stuff goes. And so we have connections with those and we try to place the student that would best fit that place,” says Leuthen.

“In Amarillo, we are linked with several employers here in town. We will make sure that they get those applications in. We will offer referrals. We will offer letters of recommendation. We’re looking at anywhere between 28 to 43% of them will find employment within the first 90 days,” says Graham.

It’s a classic win-win situation for graduates and the instructors.

“It’s rewarding. It makes you feel good, but it makes you feel better for them. Because what we see in prison is, we see men or women that made some really bad decisions in their lives. Ultimately, it really is about the betterment of those men and women, and it’s better for the society as a whole. It’s great to watch them walk across the stage twice a year and do something they never thought they could do,” says Graham.

Leuthen says they just had their first graduate from Amarillo last Tuesday.

“He’s actually going to come out here and finish up a few courses and possibly do the automotive, but I already have a space for him.”

Right now the students are getting their hands dirty so they can make a clean transition into society with a good job when they leave here.

Now that’s some good news.

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