Ford Motor Company Fund and Ford dealers across four U.S. regions – Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, and Phoenix – joined together to donate $1 million in scholarship funding to help students pursue careers as automotive technicians.
The auto industry has long faced a shortage of technicians due to fewer students entering and graduating from post-secondary programs, according to TechForce Foundation.
Despite annual demand for 258,000 new technicians, there are only 48,000 graduates from technician programs each year nationwide. The gap is likely to widen over the next decade without new graduates as there are projected growth rates of 14 percent in Arizona, 10 percent in Texas, 7 percent in Georgia, and 3 percent in Illinois for this career field respectively.
“As we move toward an electrified future, these career opportunities are exciting and require skilled technicians who are proficient in STEM-related study,” said Elena Ford, chief customer experience officer.
“Working together with the Ford Fund and our dealers to offer this scholarship program means we will welcome a new generation of diverse students to the industry, and hopefully into our Ford family, to help us better serve our customers.”
The Ford Auto Tech Scholarship, which will be administered by TechForce Foundation, is open to current and future students who are enrolled in post-secondary auto or auto and diesel technician training programs in the Greater Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, and Phoenix areas.
The scholarship will be applied to the student's school tuition account and may be used for all cost of attendance, including tuition, tools, living expenses, and transportation.
“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.”
For more information and to apply for the Ford Auto Tech Scholarship, click here.
Applications are due by June 30, 2023.
