BYD, AVTA Establish Endowment through Antelope Valley College Foundation
The Californer/10086221

LANCASTER, Calif. - Californer -- With a goal of helping create a skilled workforce for the growing zero emission transportation sector, BYD and the Antelope Valley Transit Authority announced they have established a program endowment in perpetuity with the Antelope Valley College Foundation.

Each partner provided $5,000 toward the fund for the last five years, creating a $50,000 endowment named the BYD and AVTA Endowment for Advanced Zero Emission Transportation.

The endowment will not drop below $50,000. Interest from the endowment will be used to support automotive and electrical education, supporting training programs, funding equipment and tool purchases, and funding internships.

"This endowment will help students get the skills they need to thrive in the green technology revolution," said Patrick Duan, Vice President of North America. "This effort showcases the talents of all three partners – BYD as an innovator in zero-emission vehicles, AVTA's leadership in showing other transit agencies how to move away from fossil fuels, and the Foundation's ability to bring resources to students, helping our community flourish with well-trained workers."

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"AVTA is thrilled to partner in this local educational program," stated AVTA Board Chair Marvin Crist. "By looking forward to the future zero emission job market needs and taking steps to promote a local skilled workforce, AVTA is helping Antelope Valley residents prepare for tomorrow's green technology jobs."

"The Foundation is proud to support our college providing sustainable funding for a sustainable future while providing resources for students ensuring right skills for future employment," said Ed Knudson, Superintendent and President of Antelope Valley College.

BYD, AVTA, and AVC have collaborated on other projects to support workforce training and charitable efforts, including:

-BYD, AVC, and members of the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers Union (SMART) Local 105, together have established an apprenticeship program, providing workers with skills to advance their careers and allowing BYD to improve efficiency and quality in bus production.

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-BYD sponsors and helps promote AVTA's annual Stuff-a-Bus campaign, supporting multiple area charities assist kids in need during the holiday season.

-AVTA has partnered with AVC on a new bus route, providing fast service between the college's Lancaster campus and Palmdale center.

-AVTA and AVC are partnering on charging stations for electric vehicles at the new entrance to the Lancaster campus.

AVTA, one of BYD's first customers, will soon have the nation's first all-electric transit fleet. The agency, operating BYD American-built 40-foot K9Ms and 60-foot articulated K11Ms, recently passed the 3 million-mile-mark of zero emission operations.

Media Contact:

Jim Skeen/media relations specialist

jim.skeen@byd.com/661-264-8365