Historical Timeline

Jim Moran founded the Youth Automotive Training Center (YATC), administered by a Board of Directors, with 15 students and one automotive instructor in a converted garage at JM Pontiac in Hollywood, Florida.

JM Family Enterprises hosted the first annual fundraiser for the school.

A scholarship program was established, with two recipients from each class awarded a $5,000 scholarship to the General Motors Automotive Service Education Program at Sheridan Vocational School and Broward Community College.

Students received Thanksgiving baskets containing a holiday dinner with all the trimmings, which became an annual tradition.

Board members, students and their families celebrated the first annual Holiday Party.

The first two classes graduated.

YATC published its first newsletter.

The school hosted its first annual "Big Thank You Jamboree" for donors, in appreciation for their support.

Training in life management skills was added to the school's curriculum to instruct students in subjects such as money management and establishing credit.

A student services counselor/coordinator was added to the staff to assist students outside of the classroom with career planning, education and training goals, job placement, parent/student counseling and follow-up programming for graduates.

Guest speaker presentations, interactive discussions, educational films and counseling on topics such as careers, substance abuse and healthcare became part of the life management skills training.

The first Jim Moran Classic took place over Labor Day weekend with celebrity golf pros Chi Chi Rodriguez and Lee Trevino participating. With contributions covering the school's annual operating expenses, the Classic became YATC's primary fundraiser.

The school began offering academic tutoring to prepare students for the GED exam.

A second technical instructor was added to the school's staff to diversify the automotive curriculum and increase the individual attention given to students.

As additional support and to promote their health and wellbeing, YATC arranged for students to begin receiving medical services at no charge.

A grand "re-opening" was held at the new 4,500 square-foot facility in Hollywood, which comprised two in-house car bays and two classrooms, where YATC continued to operate for the next 10 years.

Originally a six-month term, the school's program was extended to nine months to allow more time for additional academic and life management skills training.

An academic instructor was hired to develop and conduct comprehensive GED preparation classes and assist students with remediation in subjects such as math, English and history.

The annual Jim Moran Award was established to recognize YATC supporters who go "above and beyond" and whose ongoing interest and personal contributions emulated Jim Moran's own dedication to the school. The first honorees were Sid and Deanna Wolk and Janice Wiedike.

YATC celebrated its 10^th anniversary with a commemorative fundraising event featuring special guest Bill Cosby.

Former president George H.W. Bush was a guest of honor at the 10th anniversary of the Jim Moran Classic.

The State of Florida presented the school with the Governor's Community Investment Award.

YATC alumnus and technical instructor Charles Whitehouse, Class of 1988, was named North American Council of Automotive Teachers Young Teacher of the Year.

Graduates formed the YATC Alumni Association.

Dan McSweeney, Class of 1992, graduated from Florida Atlantic University and became YATC's first alumnus to earn a four-year college degree.

A five-year, $5 million Capital Campaign kicked off to raise building, scholarship and endowment funds.

A new 16,000 square-foot facility was built in Deerfield Beach, which featured a computer learning center/library, academic classroom, technical classroom large enough to hold an automobile, 10 indoor car bays, a lunch room, conference room and fitness room. With the additional space, the class size was expanded to 30 students.

The Gallant Lady JM Collection benefiting YATC was created from a special, one-of-a-kind Kahala shirt designed for Jim Moran.

The Distinguished Alumni Award was established to honor an outstanding graduate who exemplified the mission of YATC. The first award was presented to Mark Williams, Class of 1992.

The Advisory Board formed special committees to focus on the personal and professional development of the students through enrichment events and activities, job preparation and placement, judicial issues, special needs and advocacy, and guest speakers.

The staff grew to include a full-time student services advisor to provide personal counseling. To improve automotive training, YATC graduate Roger Lamoreal, Class of 1996, was hired as a third technical instructor, joining fellow alumni instructors Loren Kushner, Class of 1987, and Charles Whitehouse, Class of 1988.

YATC celebrated its 20^th anniversary.

The fundraising goals of The Kresge Challenge and the $5 million Capital Campaign were met.

The school celebrated the 20^th anniversary of the Jim Moran Classic.

YATC Founder Jim Moran passed away on April 24 at the age of 88 in Hillsboro Beach, Florida.

The first annual Jim Moran YATC North Florida Golf Tournament was held in Jacksonville, Florida.

A second academic instructor was added to the staff to provide more intensive preparation and support for students to continue their education.

YATC celebrated its 25th anniversary.

To honor his legacy, Jim Moran's signature was incorporated into the YATC logo.