WJBlog | WJ Interests | Wealth Advisors - Financial Services - Sugar Land

Support Students & the Future Workforce with Affordable Services

Written by Mateo Salmeron | Mar 3, 2025 5:07:12 PM

At WJ Interests, we take pride in supporting local businesses and education programs that strengthen our community. I would like to share my recent experience with the Fort Bend ISD James Reese Career and Technical Center.

Recently, my truck kindly reminded me that I’ve been driving it a bit too much and needed an oil change. If you haven’t switched to an electric car yet, you’re probably familiar with that small pang of annoyance when it’s time to shell out $80 or more for maintenance. Fortunately, one of the many perks of living in Sugar Land is access to the Fort Bend ISD James Reese Career and Technical Center. In addition to offering an excellent alternative to traditional higher education, the school provides students with hands-on experience in real-world skills—one of which is offering discounted auto services to the public.

One of the main discounted services the technical school provides is vehicle maintenance. This section of the school, called “The Shop at Reese,” focuses on educating future mechanics in the Fort Bend area. Currently, the website lists the following services along with their respective prices:

  • Alignment: $50
  • Brake Service: $40+
  • Oil Change: $35
  • State Inspection: $20
  • Tire Rotation: $5

Comparatively, these prices are very competitive compared to other options. A few resources indicate that the average price for an oil change ranges between $50 and $111 if you choose not to do it yourself. Additionally, the average cost of a four-wheel alignment falls between $100 and $150.

There’s a tradeoff in service quality based on the price you pay. The school provides real-world experience to new students, but they don’t have the same level of expertise as seasoned professionals, which may hinder the quality of work on your car. Some services, like an oil change—especially if you can easily drain the oil yourself—may justify the lower price. However, for more serious car issues, it may be worth taking your vehicle to a dealership or local shop and paying for higher-quality service.

Besides car maintenance, the school provides other services at a discounted rate. The Salon at Reese is another major school facility that offers discounted beauty salon services to customers. Also, visit the “The Grill at Reese” where students serve the community high quality meals. The menu items range from appetizers, burgers, pizza to sweet treats. Again, it’s the same tradeoff—you get what you pay for—but it’s definitely worth considering if you just need a touch-up rather than a complete makeover. The technical school offers many options for the community and serves as a valuable resource for workforce development. It helps support alternative education paths and provides direction and opportunities for those looking to get involved. Consider using the school for your next beauty or car service needs!

Spread the word! Let your friends and family in on these unbeatable deals while helping local students gain real-world experience!

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