In a significant commitment to addressing the shortage of automotive technicians in the industry, Ford dealers and the Ford Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, are investing $2 million in scholarship funding. Designed to support students pursuing careers as automotive technicians, the Ford Auto Tech Scholarship spans over 20 states, encompassing 292 eligible schools and 10 regions.
The Ford Auto Tech Scholarship, now in its second year, aims to grant 400 need-based awards to current or prospective students enrolled in post-secondary automotive programs. The initiative comes at a crucial time for the automotive industry, which anticipates a shortage of over 400,000 technicians by 2027, highlighting the pressing need for skilled professionals, particularly as the industry evolves towards electrification and software integration.
Elena Ford, Chief Dealer Engagement Officer at Ford, emphasized the importance of highly skilled technicians in maintaining and servicing increasingly advanced vehicles. She stated, “Partnering with our dealers to invest in these students helps create job opportunities, shapes the future of our communities, and drives growth in our industry.”
The 10 selected regions for the scholarship include Greater Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Phoenix, Kansas City, Memphis, Miami, Seattle, and Cincinnati, covering a diverse range of areas in the United States. The scholarship is open to individuals pursuing automotive technology degrees or certificates, providing financial assistance for various education-related costs such as tuition, tools, living expenses, and transportation.
One of the unique aspects of the Ford Auto Tech Scholarship is the commitment from Ford dealers in each region to serve as a support system for the students. This includes offering advice, on-site training, and career guidance, ensuring a holistic and supportive educational journey for scholarship recipients.
Jennifer Maher, Chief Executive Officer of TechForce Foundation, a national nonprofit organization administering the scholarships, emphasized the significance of making the automotive field more accessible to individuals of all backgrounds. She stated, “By partnering with Ford dealers and Ford Fund to remove barriers to entry and increase greater economic mobility, we pave the way for more communities to thrive.”
Administered by TechForce Foundation, the scholarships will provide $5,000 per student in financial assistance for education and training in auto and auto/diesel programs at accredited institutions. The partnership with TechForce is part of Ford's broader commitment to supporting students pursuing technical education and careers as professional technicians.
Makenna Enga, a student recipient from UTI-Phoenix and last year's scholarship program, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to pursue a technical education in automotive technology. Enga highlighted the lack of representation of women in the industry and her belief that she was made for a career in the automotive field.
In 2023, Ford's contribution resulted in 200 students receiving $1 million in scholarships across four regions: Greater Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, and Phoenix. Building on this success, the 2024 Ford Auto Tech Scholarship aims to make a more significant impact in the selected regions.
The application process for the 2024 Ford Auto Tech Scholarship is open from March 4 through Aug. 31, 2024. Scholarships will be awarded on a rolling basis, and applications will be reviewed as they are received. To learn more about the scholarship or to apply, interested students can visit the TechForce website.
Ford's continued investment in the next generation of automotive technicians through the Auto Tech Scholarship is a commendable effort to address industry challenges and foster diversity and inclusion. By providing financial support, mentorship, and guidance, Ford is actively contributing to the development of skilled professionals who will play a crucial role in the future of the automotive sector.
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