The HILL Partnering with Jubilee Jobs

Fayette County Public Schools has launched The DRIVE Center (Developing Real-world Industry and Vehicle Expertise) at The Hub for Innovative Learning & Leadership, which will first partner with Jubilee Jobs in this community garage model. The new collaboration will expand work-related opportunities for our students and for Lexington residents. 

High school students in the Automotive Technology Program will service vehicles belonging to clients of Jubilee Jobs, a nonprofit that supports people working toward stable employment. “The dream for this partnership was born out of necessity. If you don’t have reliable transportation, it’s hard to find a job and keep a job,” said Jubilee Jobs CEO Mason King. 

Under instructor supervision, students will handle routine maintenance and repair services as part of their career and technical education (CTE) training. The oil changes, tire rotations, battery service, and filter replacements will all be completed for a nominal shop fee to help offset the cost of lab use and tools. Valvoline Global will provide all the fluids.  

“The on-the-job learning will impact the lives of neighbors here in Lexington,” King said. 

Among the students he met at the DRIVE Center ribbon-cutting event was senior Gabriela Stephens, who attends afternoon sessions at The HILL and morning classes at Bryan Station High School. After sampling the automotive program last year, she has found herself delighted by what she’s learning in the shop. And now with the Jubilee Jobs partnership, she has a chance to contribute through community service, too. “We’ll get real-life customers, and we’ll gain more experience,” she said. 

The program is led by instructors Doni Munoz and Michael Strickland, who was just named Teacher of the Year at The HILL. Munoz said their students are eager to simulate career opportunities and to help their community as well, noting, “I see wins all around.”