Each year, Atlantic County Institute of Technology (ACIT) honors an industry partner who exemplifies the spirit of authentic collaboration and unwavering commitment to student success. This distinction recognizes a leader who not only invests in district programs but also elevates the workforce readiness of our learners through meaningful engagement, mentorship, and real-world opportunities that bring learning to life. ACIT’s 2025 Business Partner honoree is Val-U Auto Parts, LLC.
For more than a decade, ACIT has been fortunate to count Val-U Auto Parts, LLC—under the leadership of General Manager James Scheuermann—as one of its most steadfast and influential partners. With three locations across Egg Harbor City, Berlin and Hammonton, Val-U Auto Parts has consistently supported ACIT’s Automotive Technology program by offering work-based learning placements, employment opportunities and ongoing mentorship. Scheuermann, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Drexel University, has served as a long-standing and highly engaged program Advisory Board member. His partnership extends far beyond traditional collaboration, routinely exposing students to emerging trends in automotive parts and distribution and opening doors for learners to gain invaluable experience in a fast-moving, customer-focused environment. In many ways, his recognition as Business Partner of the Year is long overdue.
With 133 students currently enrolled in ACIT’s Automotive Technology program, the ongoing contributions of Val-U Auto Parts have a measurable and enduring influence. Scheuermann and his team continue to support work-based learning opportunities, mentorship and curriculum advisement. Through their involvement, they ensure students’ learning does not stop with the technical skills and emphasize the development of essential employability skills that position students for long-term success in the automotive sector and beyond.
Through work-based learning placements at Val-U Auto Parts’ regional locations, students have gained direct experience in parts distribution, customer service, inventory control and foundational automotive systems—learning not just what each part does, but why it matters. This real-world insight strengthens academic understanding and enhances employability.
More than a dozen ACIT students have launched careers with Val-U Auto Parts, including Steve Jones, Class of 2005, who has served as store manager of the Egg Harbor City location for the past four years. His continued leadership is a testament to the lasting, multigenerational impact of this partnership.
“The most valuable aspect of James’ involvement is that he is pro-education,” emphasized ACIT Automotive Instructor Curt Silver, who has a 33-year tenure with the program. “ There are few experienced salespeople today, but James is exceptional at training students and teaching them not only how to be excellent salespeople and what that means for the auto industry, but how to be great people in general. Our students genuinely enjoy working for him, and we are so fortunate to have him as part of our circle.”
“Putting vocational students into real-world, industry specific employment while they are still students is key to a successful future for all concerned parties. There is no more rewarding process than teaching a student the skills that will provide for them a fruitful career!”
Through expertise, generosity and a deep commitment to student growth, Val-U Auto Parts, led by Scheuermann, continues to strengthen the bridge between education and industry, shaping the next generation of automotive professionals. Such contributions reflect ACIT’s mission in action: Pursue What You Love.
