Fordson High School’s auto tech program secured two grants totaling nearly $100,000 for new equipment and career-exploration trips for students.
Dearborn Public Schools announced the awards Monday, Oct. 19, crediting automotive instructor Tarik Algharabli.
The district said the money will pay for equipment, tools and trips to help students explore careers. It also shared the news on Instagram.
Neither announcement identified the funders or individual award amounts.
The district’s three-year automotive technician program covers topics including engine repair, electrical systems, brakes and suspension, according to its program website. Students prepare for ASE entry-level certification testing and may take corresponding Michigan mechanic certification exams.
The program operates in labs at Fordson and Edsel Ford high schools rather than at the Michael Berry Career Center. Dearborn High students can take the class at Edsel Ford.
Fordson’s auto tech shop has received outside funding before. In January 2022, it received a $28,688.77 grant from the Margaret Dunning Foundation to help replace a 25-year-old alignment machine with a Hunter HawkEye Elite Alignment System, The Arab American News reported.
That report also described Fordson’s program as ASE Education Foundation-certified.
Separately, the district said in a March 2026 announcement that it was planning an automotive lab addition at the Michael Berry Career Center. The proposal would consolidate and expand the programs at Fordson and Edsel Ford.
Construction funding was not available at that time, although the district said it was exploring grants and community partnerships.
The district’s October grant announcements did not connect the new awards to that proposed addition.
