Assistant CMC Professor Josh Oberleas, right, shows sophomore Dean Baker how to reseal a vehicle's differential cover from underneath, thanks to the new auto lift, near the start of the fall 2026 semester. Photo by Emily Walker
Salida High auto shop gets a lift: $37k CMC grant brings safer equipment to students
This story was published in the Sept. 28, 2026 edition of The Mountain Mail.
By Laurel Swanz, Mail reporter
Salida High School’s automotive technology program, a partnership with Colorado Mountain College, is getting an upgrade this week — two new auto lifts will be installed in the shop Sept. 29 and 30.
These industrial-strength car jacks will raise vehicles into the air so students can stand underneath them and learn to work on under-the-car systems, including suspension, steering and brakes.
The new lifts were funded through CMC’s annual capital fund request, according to Rob Simpson, associate dean of academics and student affairs. Simpson said the new lifts were a “high priority:” the only request that the Salida campus made for the ‘26-’27 school year. The project cost $37,000.
For the entire story, visit The Mountain Mail.