Have you ever wanted to be a diesel mechanic? Are you concerned about how you can accomplish that goal? Well, I am here to tell you that Ford wants to make it happen. Ford dealers and Ford Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, are investing $2 million in scholarships in 10 regions to help students pursue careers as automotive technicians.
The Ford Scholarship program spans more than 20 states and 292 eligible schools. The Ford Auto Tech Scholarship will grant 400 need-based awards to current or future students enrolled in post-secondary auto programs.
The automotive industry continues to face an ongoing shortage of technicians, with over 400,000 techs needed by 2027. Now in its second year, the Ford Auto Tech Scholarships create opportunities for rewarding, well-paying careers as the industry moves toward electrification and software integration.
“As vehicles become more advanced, we need highly skilled technicians to maintain and service them,” said Elena Ford, Chief Dealer Engagement Officer at Ford. “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 Ford Auto Tech Scholarship is open to any individual pursuing an automotive technology degree or certificate in the ten selected regions. The scholarship will cover various costs associated with their education. The scholarship may be used for all attendance costs, including tuition, tools, living expenses, and transportation. During the students’ educational journey and career transition, Ford dealers in each region will serve as a support system, offering advice, onsite training, and career guidance.
“Every technician plays a vital role in moving our communities forward. In order to solve the shortage of technicians the transportation industry currently faces, and because diversity drives innovation, we need to make the field more accessible for people of all backgrounds,” said Jennifer Maher, Chief Executive Officer of TechForce Foundation. “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.”
The Ford Auto Tech scholarships will be administered by TechForce Foundation, a national nonprofit organization committed to supporting students pursuing technical education and careers as professional technicians. Ford is proud to partner with TechForce to grant $5,000 per student in financial assistance for education and training in auto and auto/diesel at a wide range of accredited institutions.
Last year’s contribution directly resulted in 200 students receiving $1 million in scholarship aid across four regions: Greater Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, and Phoenix.
“These scholarships will go a long way in engaging students, particularly those from under-resourced communities, to consider careers in automotive technology and service,” said Jennifer Maher, CEO, TechForce Foundation. “We’re excited about working with the Ford Fund and Ford Dealer partners to help create a path to careers students may not have considered before.”
Any student eligible for the 2024 Ford Auto Tech Scholarship must be pursuing a degree in one of the following regions: the Greater Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Phoenix, Kansas City, Memphis, Miami, Seattle, and Cincinnati areas. The application process is open from March 4 through Aug. 31, 2024. Scholarships will be awarded on a rolling basis and applications reviewed as received. To learn more about the 2024 Ford Auto Tech Scholarship, or to apply, please visit the TechForce website.
