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Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo has earned statewide recognition for excellence in Career and Technical Education (CTE), with both its Automotive Technology program and student Travis Lee receiving 2026 Indiana CTE Awards for Excellence.

The awards were presented by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and the Indiana Department of Education as part of the state’s annual recognition of outstanding achievement in Career and Technical Education programs across Indiana.

Ivy Tech Kokomo’s Automotive Technology program was named a winner in the Postsecondary CTE Program category, recognizing the program’s commitment to preparing students for high-skill, in-demand careers in the automotive industry through hands-on training, industry-aligned curriculum, and workforce partnerships.

In addition, Travis Lee of Ivy Tech Kokomo was recognized in the Postsecondary CTE Students category for his academic achievement, leadership, and dedication to career and technical education as a student in the Automotive Technology program.

“Career and Technical Education creates opportunities for students to build meaningful careers while meeting critical workforce needs across Indiana,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education, in the state announcement. “CTE inspires students to discover their passions, build real-world skills, and pursue their unique future aspirations.”

The Indiana CTE Awards for Excellence honor standout students, educators, programs, and partnerships that exemplify leadership, innovation, and community impact in career and technical education. Nominations are submitted by CTE districts, high schools, and postsecondary institutions throughout the state.

Indiana’s CTE programs prepare students for careers in high-demand industries including advanced manufacturing, healthcare, digital technology, agriculture, and transportation.

The recognition highlights Ivy Tech Kokomo’s continued commitment to workforce development and student success through high-quality technical education and employer-connected learning opportunities.

The Automotive Technology program at Ivy Tech Kokomo, under the leadership of Program Chair Jim Bonham, combines classroom instruction, hands-on laborabory training, and employer-connected learning opportunities to ensure graduates develop competencies aligned with current industry standards.

Industry partnerships are central to the program. The Automotive Technician Education Pathway (ATEP) and the registered apprenticeship partnership with Chariot Automotive Group are great examples of the integration of dual credit, work-based-learning, and postsecondary credentials into a seamless talent pipeline.

As an Ivy Tech student and apprentice at McGonigal Buick GMC, a part of Chariot Automotive Group, student award winner Travis Lee exemplifies the value of Ivy Tech’s approach. Lee was recognized for his work ethic, his positive demeanor and his focus on long-term goals. He has earned multiple industry certifications on his way to both a Technical Certificate in Automotive Service Technology and a Certificate in Maintenance and Light Repair and continues work on an Associate of Applied Science degree.

“Travis’ dedication and passion for education and the automotive industry reflect what Chariot Automotive Group stands for,” said Rex Gingerich, Chariot Group founder and CEO. “We are incredibly proud to see him recognized with the CTE Award. This honor is well deserved, and we’re grateful to have him.”

Melanie Thurston-Hafer, apprenticeship program manager for Ivy Tech’s Kokomo Service Area, said Lee represents the values of Career and Technical Education. “He demonstrates the professionalism, technical growth, and persistence needed for success in the automotive industry,” she said.

For more information about Ivy Tech Kokomo’s Automotive Technology program, contact James Bonham at 463-345-3825 or jbonham4@ivytech.edu .