A record 12 women are enrolled in automotive technology programs at Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) in Troy, NY, this fall, marking a significant milestone for the institution and the industry.
“I am proud of the strides that we are making in recruiting and enrolling more female students in programs with a historically male demographic,” said Officer in Charge Louis Coplin. “Increasing access, diversity and inclusivity in every area of the college is a critical part of our mission.”
While women comprise 53% of the overall student body at HVCC, their presence in automotive technology programs has historically been minimal, where they currently represent 8.4% of the enrolled students.
Senior student Kadence Zaloga is the only woman in her graduating class.
“People are getting more comfortable with seeing women coming into the shop, and I think they’re kind of seeing it as we all are the same, we all work the same,” Zaloga told CBS6. “I love seeing, in the younger classes, all the women that are in there. I know, for me, I’m the only woman in this senior year, so it’s just been me for my two years. So, seeing these women in the freshman year makes me really happy, makes me excited for them.”
Zaloga credits her interest in automotive technology to her love of motorsports, inspired by Formula 1 and NASCAR. She noted that the hands-on experience at HVCC, such as diagnosing customer vehicles, has been instrumental in her learning.
HVCC’s Applied Technologies Department offers a range of programs, including collision repair, painting, automotive management and EV courses. Department Chair Chris McNally told CBS6 the curriculum is designed to prepare students for the realities of modern automotive service work, from traditional repairs to cutting-edge diagnostics.
Efforts to diversify the field extend beyond enrollment numbers. McNally cited the college’s “Girls in STEM” program, which introduces girls and young women to opportunities in technical fields.
Zaloga expressed optimism for the future.
“Being able to constantly have all this hands-on learning and whatnot has definitely helped me improve with my learning,” she told CBS6. “It’s [a] program for everybody and anybody that really wants to get into it to do it, and a lot of times now, the women coming into this program have family that have influenced them, wanting to get into it, or them learning from a young age, being around that environment, working on cars, and I think just seeing women and whatnot working in the program has definitely opened up a door and is letting them have that confidence to want to come into this industry and work and learn.”