Educational Systems FCU Donates Two Vans to Montgomery County Students Automotive Trades Foundation

1/28/2026

Educational Systems Federal Credit Union has donated two 2019 Ford Transit Connect vans to the Montgomery County Students Automotive Trades Foundation (ATF) for high school students to refurbish and resell through their automotive technology program. The donation continues nearly two decades of partnership supporting ATF’s student-run auto sales and affordable financing for community buyers.

Pictured from left to right: Tom Hill, Assistant Vice President of Facilities, Educational Systems FCU; Gene Ingraham, Owner, Gene's Towing; Mike Snyder, Site Manager, Montgomery County Automotive Trades Foundation“Educational Systems FCU has been a premier business partner to both the Montgomery County Students Automotive Trades Foundation (ATF) and Montgomery County Public Schools,” said Steve Boden, who oversees the ATF program. “The Credit Union has generously provided financing for the community to purchase the vehicles renovated by high school students in the automotive technology programs across the district. We appreciate the generosity they shown our students, staff and community.”

“Hands-on learning turns classrooms into pathways to careers,” said Girado Smith, President/CEO of Educational Systems FCU. “By donating these vans, Educational Systems FCU is helping students apply real-world skills in maintenance, safety and sales while advancing a program that also provides affordable, reliable vehicles to local families. We’re proud to support ATF and Montgomery County Public Schools in preparing the next generation of technicians and community leaders.”

ATF is a nonprofit affiliated with Montgomery County Public Schools that operates a licensed, student-run “mini dealership,” where students recondition, market and sell vehicles—building technical and professional experience that prepares them for further education and careers in the automotive field.