By Ashley Reyes
 The upgraded ’19 Honda Talon 1000R that was customized by the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) and students has been auctioned for $23,000, with proceeds benefiting students and future industry leaders. |
The upgraded ’19 Honda Talon 1000R that was customized by the SEMA Young Executives Network (YEN) and students has been auctioned for $23,000, with proceeds benefiting students and future industry leaders.
Sold through Bring a Trailer, the modified UTV was created as part of a unique program in which young industry professionals served as mentors for high school students. A group of dedicated students from the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts, located in Pomona, California, modified the UTV with more than a dozen custom parts and accessories, including custom paint, a fabricated light bar, upgraded performance exhaust and more.
Fifty percent of the proceeds from the auction will go toward the SEMA Education Loan Forgiveness Program, while the other 50% will be donated to the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts to support the ongoing education of young people interested in pursuing a career in the automotive industry.
“We are very grateful to have been selected to participate in a program that has exposed our students to the various career paths available within the industry through hands-on-learning,” said Theresa Contreras, AXC automotive program specialist. “The vehicle’s proceeds will play a huge role in helping us expand our reach and continue to encourage our youth about the automotive hobbyist lifestyle.”
In addition to the guidance provided by YEN members, the build’s influence expanded beyond hands-on learning and instilled the participating students with the responsibility, punctuality and team-building skills necessary to pursue a career in the automotive aftermarket.
SEMA YEN provides year-round various education and networking opportunities to the industry by helping cultivate young talent in the automotive aftermarket. For more information, visit SEMA YEN’s website.