EMCC Automotive Students Advance to National Championship in Mopar CAP Bracket Challenge

Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC) has advanced to the National Championship round of the Mopar Career Automotive Program (CAP) Bracket Challenge, placing the college among the top two automotive technology programs in the country.

The Mopar CAP Bracket Challenge is a national competition bringing together leading automotive programs for technical, professional and curriculum-based challenges. More than 100 programs began the competition. EMCC is now one of only two schools nationwide remaining.

EMCC advanced after winning the Technical Hands-On Challenge in Round 3, where two students completed real-world diagnostic and repair exercises at the Stellantis Technical Training Center in Mansfield, Massachusetts. The team’s performance secured their place in the final round.

Earlier rounds included a program-level submission, a written test based on Mopar curriculum and an interview and résumé challenge. EMCC defeated Fresno City College in Round 1 and Manchester Community College in Round 2, then advanced in the final four, where they defeated Texas State Technical College to move on to the finals.

On Dec. 2, EMCC students will travel to the Stellantis National Technical Training Center in Auburn Hills, Michigan, to compete for the national title against Metropolitan Community College. The championship will include advanced HVAC, electrical and engine performance repair challenges conducted on Dodge Demon vehicles. The top school will win yearlong use of a Dodge Demon performance car for instructional purposes, along with trophy tools from Mac Tools and letters of recommendation from Mopar CAP leadership.

“Our students have committed themselves fully to this competition,” said Chris Davis, chair of EMCC’s Automotive Technology program. “Advancing to the national championship reflects their talent, preparation and the quality of education they experience here. They’ve earned every step of this achievement.”

The Mopar CAP program, a partnership between Stellantis and participating colleges, provides students with industry-specific training and pathways to employment with Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Fiat dealerships across the country.