1. My name is Andre Bennett, and I am a 12th-grade student at Collegium Charter School in Exton, Pennsylvania. I have been accepted to the Automotive Training Center in Exton, beginning in June 2025, where I will focus on automotive and high-performance technology.
2. I’ve been fascinated by building things for as long as I can remember. As a child, I spent hours constructing intricate Lego structures, immersed in the process of bringing an idea to life with my hands. As I grew, so did my passion and skill level. I transitioned from Legos to RC cars, carefully assembling each piece, paying attention to every detail. When I got my driver’s license I began fixing my own car. I found joy in diagnosing problems, taking things apart, and putting them back together better than before. Most recently I changed my air intake, exhaust, coil overs, headlights and rear lights.
I have always been driven by a deep curiosity about how things work. My interest in mechanics even extended to aviation, where I pursued training as a student pilot. Learning about aircraft structures, engines, safety and aerodynamics only reinforced my admiration for skilled trades. I find it intriguing to understand how complex systems operate.
3. I have been actively involved in various leadership roles, including my school’s basketball team. For the last three years, I’ve played on the varsity basketball team and served as the captain of the JV team last year. In addition to sports, I’ve been involved in Boy Scouts, where I earned the Arrow of Light and learned the importance of essential values like responsibility, respect, teamwork, always doing my best and serving others.
Throughout my high school career, I have developed leadership skills that will be incredibly valuable as I pursue a career in automotive technology. On the basketball court I learned how to lead a team, being respectful, supporting my teammates, and ensuring we worked together to achieve our goals. I was able to unite the team and encourage players to work effectively together in winning. We did not make it to the playoffs, but I would not change anything. I learned so many lessons. I received confirmation that I am an effective leader due to the bond created.
In basketball, I also learned how to make quick, informed decisions under pressure. On the court, I was constantly assessing the situation and making decisions that would benefit the team. Decision-making is important in the automotive field, whether I am diagnosing a problem with a vehicle and determining how to service the vehicle. Strong decision-making skills help ensure that I complete tasks efficiently, minimize errors and improve the quality of my work.
My love of cars has united me with family and friends who have the same passion for automotive technology. When I am not on the basketball court you will find me working on my personal car. Recently I changed my air intake, exhaust, coil overs, headlights and rear lights.
4. I have shadowed several mechanics over the last year to gain exposure to different concentrations in automotive technology. I knew at the end of Junior year in Hight School that I wanted to attend Automotive Training Center (ATC) for automotive and high-performance technology. I attended ADVANTAGE “U” a series of pre-start mechanical preparatory classes allowing me to gain mechanical skills required to be successful in their program. The classes provided education on cutting, welding, power and hand tools, electrical A/C-D/C Voltage, general automotive maintenance, precision tools, steering and suspension shop equipment and MOPAR CAP Local Certification prerequisites.
I applied for the program and have completed all necessary steps to start school at the Automotive Training Center in Exton, Pa following graduation on June 30, 2025.
5. An adult would describe me as a respectful, God fearing, caring, hardworking and a driven individual. They would also report that I am a person who sets goals and puts in hard work to accomplish them.