Construction of College of the Desert’s new Roadrunner Motors is on track to begin in the summer of 2024, with the first classes scheduled to start in early 2026, marking a new era for the Roadrunner Automotive program.

The cutting-edge facility is a testament to COD’s commitment to providing students with a top-tier learning environment equipped with the latest technology and resources. The Roadrunner Motors building, the nearly 26,000 sf automotive training center, allows the program to accommodate 100 students at a time in a cohort style. The facility, constructed at the Ecoplex in Cathedral City, will house: a lift gallery with 16 interior vehicle instructional bays, modernized student instructional labs and classrooms, equipment storage, a lobby with views into the gallery and staff facilities. It is set to become a hub of innovation, fostering the development of the next generation of automotive technicians and professionals.

COD’s Roadrunner Automotive program has a longstanding reputation for producing highly skilled graduates who excel in the automotive industry. With the new facility, the program aims to elevate its impact and further contribute to meeting the workforce needs in the automotive sector.

Students enrolled in the program will have access to cutting-edge diagnostic tools, computerized systems, and a range of vehicles for practical training. The Roadrunner Motors building is designed to simulate real-world automotive scenarios, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the rapidly evolving automotive landscape.

The program excels in aligning its curriculum with industry standards and emerging trends. This ensures that students not only acquire foundational knowledge and skills, but also stay abreast of the latest advancements in automotive technology. The program covers a comprehensive range of topics, from engine diagnostics and repair to electronic systems and hybrid/electric vehicle technology.

Following a curriculum that combines theoretical understanding with hands-on experience, students in COD’s Roadrunner Automotive program enter the workforce as competent trained professionals with U.S. and foreign car manufacturers and electrical service training for California’s future regulations of electric car purchases by 2035.

As COD continues to invest in cutting-edge facilities like the Roadrunner Motors, the College solidifies its position as a leader in automotive education, shaping the future of the industry one skilled graduate at a time.

Shape the future of young automotive professionals. Call 760.773.2561 or email ehernandez@collegeofthedesert.edu to learn more.