General Motors Automotive Service Education Program (GM ASEP)

The GM ASEP was created in response to the growing regional demand for skilled technicians and the lack of accessible, manufacturer-specific automotive training in Southeast Los Angeles County. The program offers a structured, five-semester program that combines classroom instruction with paid work-based internships at GM dealerships, enabling students to earn while they learn. To broaden access and early engagement, the program partners with local high schools to offer dual-enrollment automotive courses. This early intervention model introduces students to technical education in a familiar setting, builds college credit momentum, and demystifies higher education for first-generation students and their families. Instruction is led by faculty who are program alumni, offering mentorship grounded in shared cultural and professional experience. Students gain hands-on experience with over 65 donated vehicles and gain access to GM’s online training, employer-sponsored internships, and competitions.