Grant Funds 21st Century Skills for 20th Century Restoration Project

April 2, 2014 (North Bergen, NJ) – An historic 1969 Volkswagen Beetle convertible will have a chance at a new life thanks to a grant awarded to Mr. Sergio Gamarra’s Automotive Technology class at High Tech High School, announced Linda J. Quentzel, Executive Director of the HCST Foundation.


The Beetle, affectionately known as Karmen to Gamarra and his students, was originally donated by the HCST Foundation during the 2012-2013 school year. The vehicle, to date, has been used for a variety of basic automotive learning experiences. Now, the time has come to give Karmen her due respect and get this classic back on the road.

To achieve this, students in Mr. Gamrra’s class submitted an in-depth proposal outlining their goals for the project. The project utilizes 21st Century skills—such as creativity, decision-making, critical thinking, and collaboration—to bring a 20th Century relic back to life.

“By combining project-based learning with a long-term project,” Gamarra explains, “students will develop various 21st Century skills and earn the pride that comes with the final product.”

Linda J. Quentzel, Executive Director of the HCST Foundation, says, “Under Mr. Gamarra’s tutelage, the Auto Tech program at HCST has come to represent the crux of academic and vocational learning, and we are eager to see this program develop.”

Mr. Gamarra and his students expect to have Karmen on the road by June 10, 2014.

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