I got my Mechanical Engineering degree from Georgia Tech. For someone who doesn't like homework or "regular academics" this school would be a huge mistake.

It sounds like the lad might consider Kettering University. Good school, very strong co-op program that results in plenty of work experience before graduation, and a strong automotive focus for people who are into that sort of thing. Many of my co-workers at an automotive testing center went to Kettering.

Southern Polytechnic in Georgia is also known for good hands-on type instruction.

Another possiblity is delaying a bachelor's degree for a while and either joining the military to take advantage of their free training (I did this as well-US Navy Construction Mechanic), or going to a school like WyoTech.

__________________
Whoever said there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes never had a cheap Jaguar.

83 300D Turbo with manual conversion, early W126 vented front rotors and H4 headlights 401,xxx miles
08 Suzuki GSX-R600 M4 Slip-on 26,xxx miles
88 Jaguar XJS V12 94,xxx miles. Work in progress.
99 Mazda Miata 183,xxx miles.