Intro to Automotive Industry Spring 2025 - Program Overview

Course Information

Student: Jackson Hurff
Grade Level: 11th Grade
Duration: January 5, 2026 – May 31, 2026
Schedule: Weekly Sessions
Vehicle: Research and purchase a vehicle for Jackson (used for labs and local transportation)

Program Team: - Jessica Hurff (Academic Supervisor) - Jimmy Hurff (Project Coordinator & Technical Mentor)

Program Description

This comprehensive automotive industry program integrates practical hands-on mechanical skills with business entrepreneurship, teaching students the fundamentals of automotive service, maintenance, and business operations. Students research, purchase, and work on a vehicle throughout the semester, applying skills learned in six key areas: business/entrepreneurship, workshop setup, engine servicing, drivetrain servicing, performance tuning, and electronics. The program culminates in the development of a complete business plan and pro forma for "Full Throttle Automotive," a small automotive services business, demonstrating both technical competency and business acumen.

Learning Objectives

Students will develop proficiency in: - Business & Entrepreneurship: Business plan development, financial projections, market analysis - Workshop Management: Tool organization, safety protocols, workspace setup and maintenance - Engine Servicing: Oil changes, filters, cooling systems, basic diagnostics - Drivetrain Servicing: Transmission service, differential maintenance, drive shaft components - Performance Tuning: Engine optimization, intake/exhaust systems, tuning basics - Automotive Electronics: Electrical systems, diagnostics, modern vehicle electronics - Project Management: Vehicle research, purchase process, maintenance scheduling - Business Documentation: Professional business plan, financial pro forma, operations manual

Course Components

📚 Complete Curriculum

Detailed syllabus with learning objectives, grading rubric, and academic standards.

📖 Lesson Plans

Weekly lesson plans with focused exercises and hands-on activities.

🎯 SMART Goals Assignment

Semester goal-setting assignment to establish personal learning objectives.

🚗 Project Plan

Comprehensive project timeline, milestones, and deliverables.

📊 Budget Tracker

Vehicle purchase, parts, tools, and business startup cost tracking.

📔 Journal Log

Weekly reflections and technical notes documenting the learning journey.

📈 Progress Updates

Regular progress assessments and skill development tracking.

📋 Business Plan

Complete business plan for Full Throttle Automotive.

💰 Financial Pro Forma

Financial projections and business model analysis.

Key Sections

1. Intro to Business & Entrepreneurship

Business fundamentals
Market research and analysis
Business plan structure
Financial planning basics

2. Workshop Setup and Maintenance

Tool selection and organization
Safety protocols and procedures
Workspace design and layout
Equipment maintenance

3. Basic Engine Servicing

Oil changes and fluid services
Filter replacement
Cooling system maintenance
Basic engine diagnostics

4. Basic Drivetrain Servicing

Transmission service
Differential maintenance
Drive shaft and CV joint service
Drivetrain diagnostics

5. Engine Performance Tuning

Performance theory
Intake and exhaust systems
Engine optimization techniques
Tuning basics

6. Electronics

Electrical system fundamentals
Modern vehicle electronics
Diagnostic equipment
Troubleshooting procedures

Final Deliverables

Upon completion of this program, students will produce: - Complete Business Plan for Full Throttle Automotive - Financial Pro Forma with revenue projections and cost analysis - Technical Portfolio demonstrating hands-on service competencies - Vehicle Documentation showing maintenance and improvement work performed - Presentation showcasing business concept and technical achievements

Academic Goals

This program demonstrates: - Project-based learning and real-world application - Technical skills development in automotive service - Business and entrepreneurship competencies - Financial literacy and business planning - Portfolio development for college admissions - Integration of practical skills with academic rigor