It was about a month ago I wrote a story on how SEMA’s “Build A Vehicle” program helped five high schools building the Jeeps of their dreams. In February 2019, all of the schools received their project Jeep Wranglers. A total of 33 aftermarket parts companies provided each school with parts.
July 26th was the last day of all five auction periods. When all of the sales added up, the program brought in $127,000. Then Bring a Trailer donated their 5% sales fee to the program, for a grand total of $133,350.
This was not a competition to see which school could bring in the most money, but five school profiting with a great learning experience. For the record, however, R.L. Turner High School brought in the highest auction sale at $28,500 for their 2004 Jeep Wrangler.
R.L. Turner High School’s 2004 Jeep Wrangler.
Santa Ynez Valley Union High School’s 1997 Jeep Wrangler was the second-highest auction price at $26,500. Next was C.D. Haylton High School and Santa Fe ECO. C.D. Hylton had its project 2002 Jeep Wrangler, while Santa Fe ECO’s project was the 2005 Jeep Wrangler. Both sold at $26,000 each.
Santa Ynez Union High School’s 1997 Jeep Wrangler.
SEMA Support
Zane Clark, SEMA Senior Director of Education was grateful for all the support with this program. The first year was only one school; this year, it was five schools. SEMA announced the proceeds from this year will allow 10 schools to join in the 2020 student build. That will mean another swell batch of sweet Jeep builds!
The dream is to expand the program to reach thousands of high schools students throughout the nation in automotive shops. This is a real world hand-on learning experience.
Santa Fe ECO’s 2005 Jeep Wrangler.
Bring a Trailer stated, “Young enthusiasts are key to the future of the automotive hobby, and we applaud SEMA for furthering their investment in this program and these students.” This give more students throughout the country the opportunity to gain the hands-on experience building a vehicle. If you would like to get your school entered into this program, check out SEMA Education Program or email program manager, Katie Hurst.
C.D. Hylton High School 2002 Jeep Wrangler
Bring a Trailer Brings The Money
Bring a Trailer was founded in 2007. However, their auction site debuted in 2014 and since then has auctioned off over 20,000 unique, rare and collectable vehicles. As a seller, you can speak directly to potential bidders, answer questions, and provide additional photos in BaT’s community-oriented platform.
Comstock High School’s 2004 Jeep Wrangler.
Partnering Sponsorships
If you are a company that provides aftermarket parts for the automotive world and wish to join the SEMA High School Vehicle Build Program, you can apply for sponsorship. You’ll be helping with the goal of engaging automotive students to the customization lifestyle. As a Partnering Sponsor, you’ll have your products installed on the vehicle(s) and in return SEMA will recognize your company through both the build’s website as well as SEMA build promotion.
