Prospective students will have the opportunity to obtain a two-year, college degree in Subaru automotive technology through a new Subaru U backed program that's been created to address a growing demand for Subaru automotive technicians nationwide.

Subaru of America announced Wednesday that, this fall, the first U.S. degree in Subaru automotive technology will be offered in Gresham, Ore., at Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC).

Subaru U is an educational program created by the automaker to help build relationships between Subaru of America retailers and accredited secondary and post-secondary schools. Subaru said that it has grown its existing Subaru U partnership with MHCC’s automotive technology program to provide an associate of applied science degree that can prepare students to work as auto technicians at Subaru retailers nationwide.

“We are thrilled to enhance our existing partnership with Mt. Hood Community College and provide greater opportunities for its dedicated students,” Subaru of America Portland zone director Jim Pernas said in a news release.

“At Subaru, we are passionate about helping members of our local communities succeed and are excited to give aspiring Subaru technicians the tools they need to realize their full potential.”

Just last year at MHCC, over 30 students completed the Subaru U online factory certification, which Subaru sponsored at no cost to MHCC students. “MHCC first partnered with Subaru in 2015 to provide the Subaru U online factory certification to its automotive technology students, the automaker said.”

This fall, in addition to hands-on Subaru factory-certified training while working toward a Subaru automotive technology degree, Subaru said that students will also be paired with sponsoring Subaru retailers that can provide paid, on-the-job experience and full-time positions after graduation.

“Our students love Subaru vehicles, and they frequently tell us they want to work on them,” said Eric Garvey, an automotive instructor at MHCC. “Plus, there’s a huge regional demand here in the Pacific Northwest for Subaru cars and SUVs, so it’s a win-win.”

Additionally, Subaru said that it has donated equipment and five training vehicles to MHCC’s automotive technology program for students to use while in the classroom.