Auto conversion boosts alternative-fuel use; Arizona: East Valley Vocational High School District.

The East Valley Vocational High School District in Mesa, Ariz., was selected as the state's winner in the 2006 National Civic Star Award competition for a program converting cars for hydrogen use.

The school district is the state's first Joint Technical Education District and offers programs in 35 areas. High school students spend half the day at East Valley Institute of Technology in technical classes and half the day at their home high schools taking more typical academic subjects.

Until 2004, students in EVIT's automotive technology program had worked on lawnmowers, go-carts and golf carts but had not had a chance to convert a car. But when the city of Mesa learned that EVIT was looking for such opportunities, Gerald Paulus, Mesa's gas division director, contacted Superintendent Sally Downey.

A decision was reached that would enable EVIT students to convert four cars for the city of Mesa in 2005. The project would help the city reduce fuel expenses and give EVIT automotive technology students cutting-edge, hands-an conversion experience.

Because Arizona is in the unique position of having more days of sunshine annually than any other state, it has the advantage of using alternative fuels based on solar power. For that reason, the American Hydrogen Association is based in Arizona and has provided expertise to the city of Mesa and EVIT.

The program includes the repair of four 2001 Ford Crown Victoria police cars that will not run properly on compressed fuel. The four were converted to hydrogen use by the students, who were supervised by Roy McAlister, president of the hydrogen association, and Thomas Powell. EVIT automotive technology instructor. City leaders plan to use the cars to promote alternative fuels.

Students tore down the cars to determine why they would not run on compressed gas. They then examined all the systems, checking the parts, changing oil and hoses where needed and making all the necessary adjustments tbr the change to hydrogen.

The car conversion program has led to auto industry employment for some students. Brent Pavlosky, for example, is employed by Alternative Fuel Systems and Fleet Repair in Phoenix and is converting taxis, which are not allowed to enter the Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix unless they use alternative fuels.

Students have also benefited by being included in other fuel cell projects in Mesa. They were recently invited to the installation of a hydrogen fuel cell at the Army National Guard annory in Mesa.

Automotive technology is one of the largest and most-recognized classes offered by EVIT. The outlook for automotive conversion is bright with statistics showing that by 2010, 25 percent of the people in the United States will be driving with alternative fuel, and by 2020, 50 percent will be.

General Motors has stated that it is working toward the release of a hydrogen-powered automobile in 2007. EVIT intends to help provide the trained work force that the auto industry needs to move forward in producing vehicles powered by alternative fuels.

In addition to helping to train the future work force, the Mesa program collaborators aim to promote cleaner air and to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil.

For more information, contact Superintendent Sally Downey at East Valley Vocational High School District, 1601 W. Main St., Mesa, Ariz. 85201, or call [phone]. Downey's e-mail address is [e-mail].