2025 - TechForce

September 29, 2025September 29, 2025

TechForce Foundation Puts Technician Shortage in Spotlight with National Competition at SEMA Show

September 25, 2025 – Las Vegas, NV – With a nationwide technician shortage threatening key sectors from transportation to energy, one nonprofit is turning the spotlight toward the young men and women stepping up to keep America running.

TechForce Foundation and SEMA Show announce the 2025 Techs Rock Awards public vote, inviting Americans to help crown the top student and working technicians in the country. Voting is open now through October 15 at TechForce.org/Vote.

“This vote is about more than prizes,” said Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce Foundation. “It’s about showing the next generation of techs that the country is behind them. We talk a lot about the technician shortage, this is a chance to support the solution.”

Two Grand Prize Winners, one aspiring student technician and one working professional technician, will be chosen by public vote and honored live at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas on November 5, the largest automotive event in the United States.

“Part of the future of the automotive aftermarket depends on the dedication and passion of today’s technical students,”,” said SEMA Vice President of Marketing RJ de Vera. “It’s an honor to celebrate these emerging technicians through our collaboration with the Techs Rock Awards and inspire them to continue moving the industry forward.” .”

A national panel of judges including ChrisFix, YouTube’s most-followed automotive DIY expert; Melissa Scoles, President & CEO, QA1 Precision Products, Inc.; Emily Reeves, YouTube personality; Charles “Humble Mechanic” Sanville; Rick Love, President of Vintage Air; Myles Kovacs, Co-Founder & CEO of TIS & Dropstars Wheels; and Mary Culler, President of Ford Philanthropy selected twelve Category Winners from hundreds of nominations submitted. Each finalist has already earned over $3,000 in prizes and now competes for a $15,000+ Grand Prize package including Carlyle tools, travel, and national recognition.

The twelve National Finalists include:

Future Techs (Students)

Automotive & Motorsports – Marcello Dean, McPherson College (KS)
Diesel – Nathaneal Watkins, Big Sandy Community and Technical College (KY)
Collision, Restoration & Welding – William Morrison, Northwood University (MI)
Aviation, Motorcycle & Marine – Sabrina Marrero, Aviation Institute of Maintenance, Hasbrouck Heights Campus (NJ)
Emerging Technologies – Caleb Marc, Lincoln Technical Institute, Union Campus (NJ)
HVAC, Home & Buildings – Dylan Matjazic, Universal Technical Institute, Canton Campus (MI)

Working Techs (Professionals)

Automotive & Motorsports – David Borer, Reineke Family Dealerships (OH)
Diesel – Cristian Trasandes, San Diego Miramar College (CA)
Collision, Restoration & Welding – Jose Caballero-Vallejo, Team Toyota (PA)
Aviation, Motorcycle & Marine – Mia Jackson, Hinckley Yachts Chesapeake (MD)
Emerging Technologies – Trevor Burgin, Pinnacle Career Institute (MO)
HVAC, Home & Buildings – Bryan Baker, Cool Breeze Heating & Air (FL)

The Techs Rock Awards were created to celebrate students and working techs who go above and beyond, not just in technical skill, but in character, leadership, and drive. Since its inception in 2018, the program has awarded 77 students and working techs. It’s one of many TechForce initiatives focused on building respect and visibility for high-tech, hands-on careers.

About SEMA and the SEMA Show

The SEMA Show is a trade show produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a nonprofit trade association founded in 1963. Since the first SEMA Show debuted in 1967, the annual event has served as the leading venue bringing together manufacturers and buyers within the automotive specialty equipment industry. Products featured at the SEMA Show include those that enhance the styling, functionality, comfort, convenience and safety of cars and trucks. Additional details are available at www.semashow.com or www.sema.org, 909/396-0289.

About TechForce Foundation
TechForce Foundation is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) with the mission to champion all students to and through their education and into careers as professional technicians. The Foundation supports the technician workforce by awarding more than $6 million each year in scholarships and grants to financially disadvantaged students. TechForce also works to shift public perception of this evolving, high-tech STEM career path and provides hands-on career exploration and workforce development programs in communities across the country. For more information, visit techforce.org. Follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin and YouTube.

August 12, 2025August 12, 2025

TechForce Foundation Shatters Records with Groundbreaking $1 Million Month Milestone

TechForce Foundation Announces its Board of Directors’ Officers and Celebrates Historic $1 Million Scholarship Month

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – August 11, 2025 – TechForce Foundation announced the election of its Board of Directors’ Officers and celebrated an extraordinary milestone: $1 million awarded in the month of June alone in student scholarships support. This achievement is particularly remarkable considering that just a few years ago, TechForce was awarding $1 million over the course of an entire year.

“This transformation from $1 million annually to $1 million in a single month shows the incredible growth and momentum of TechForce’s ability to fundraise and positively impact the education and skilled careers of thousands of students with financial need,” said Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce Foundation. “Our Board of Directors is committed to growing our capabilities so that no student who needs financial assistance to pursue their technical education and career as a professional technician is denied.”

Jon Vesely, newly elected President & Chairman of the TechForce Foundation Board of Directors, has challenged the organization to reach its potential: “While we’re budgeted in 2025 to award $6 million in scholarships and grants, a significant accomplishment, this is still only helping 1 in 7 students coming to us for assistance. When America desperately needs skilled technicians, we need to push ourselves, industry and donors to do more,” states Chairman Vesely. “Our goal is to build our capacity to raise and distribute the $30 million annually necessary so every qualified student gets the support they deserve”.

TechForce Foundation Welcomes New VP of Development

TechForce Foundation is proud to welcome George Giltner as Vice President of Development. George joins from his role as President & CEO of TechPoint Foundation for Youth, where he championed technical careers and education, supporting schools across Indiana. At TechForce, George will lead development efforts to build partnerships, secure resources, and fuel programs that connect students to careers as professional technicians.

Board of Directors’ Officers Focused on Growth and Impact

To drive this expansion, TechForce Foundation has appointed a dynamic slate of Officers to serve on the Board of Directors’ Executive Committee team:

Jon Vesely, President & Chair – Partner, Vesely Investment Partners
Angie Babin, Immediate Past President – Vice President of OEM Partnerships and Strategy, Caliber
Denise Kingstrom, Vice Chair – Supply Chain Director, Coatings Solutions, BASF Corporation
Chris Adams, Treasurer – Senior Vice President, Discount Tire
David Ellis, Secretary – Owner, Ellis Automotive, LLC
Jennifer Maher, Ex-Officio – CEO, TechForce Foundation

Major Donors Fuel Unprecedented Growth

Recent transformational gifts have enabled this record-breaking scholarship distribution, including major support from Ford Philanthropy, Ford Motor Company, and Christian Brothers Automotive. Additionally, two significant unrestricted grants from General Motors and Bridgestone Americas Trust are enabling TechForce to invest in its people power for growth and scaling to serve more students and tech schools nationwide.

“Capacity building is a significant priority for this new Executive Committee,” noted Maher. “These unrestricted grants allow us to strengthen our infrastructure and expand our capacity, ensuring we can process more scholarships, help more students find apprenticeships and jobs, and ultimately fill America’s critical skilled technician gap.”

TechForce continues to expand its impact across all sectors of technician employment, including automotive, aviation, collision repair, diesel, emerging technologies, machining, motorsports, welding and more. Recently TechForce expanded into the HVAC technician sector thanks to a sizable grant from Carrier.

“The pendulum has swung where now society understands that not every student wants or needs to go on to a four-year university and that technical education and skilled trades are a solid, viable pathway to sustainable careers. Most engines are now computers on wheels, and we need a highly trained, dedicated workforce to keep America rolling,” states Maher.

About TechForce Foundation TechForce Foundation is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) with the mission to champion all students to and through their education and into careers as professional technicians. TechForce will award in 2025 $6 million in scholarships and grants to financially disadvantaged students, and hosts an online career hub for students to find schools, scholarships, apprenticeships and jobs. TechForce works to shift public perception of this high-tech skilled career, and provides hands-on career exploration and workforce development in communities across the country. For more information, visit techforce.org. Follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin and YouTube.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Reagan Bender
360.820.9922
rbender@techforce.org

July 30, 2025July 30, 2025

Carlyle Tools Launches the MAX IMPACT Scholarship to Empower the Next Generation of Skilled Technicians

ATLANTA, Ga. (June 1, 2025) – Carlyle Tools is proud to introduce the Carlyle Tools MAX IMPACT Scholarship to arm the next generation of skilled trade professionals with the tools and support they need to succeed. The scholarship program will recognize exceptional students who embody the Carlyle spirit: innovation in action and the fierce resolve to make maximum impact in everything they do. This monthly scholarship program will award each student with $2,500 and a professional-grade Carlyle toolbox so they can dominate in their field from day one.
For years, the automotive industry has faced a technician shortage, and the lack of a qualified workforce poses a significant threat to its livelihood. However, the next generation is waking up to the promising opportunity in skilled trades and becoming more open-minded about their post-secondary education options. Carlyle recognized this potential and introduced the MAX IMPACT Scholarship to support the endeavors of future techs.
“We believe tomorrow’s technicians deserve to be equipped with the unrivaled power and precision that defines Carlyle,” said Danny Huffaker, Senior Vice President of Product and Marketing at NAPA. “This Carlyle scholarship recognizes the new wave of technicians who are defying conventions and making smart career decisions, and our high-performance tools are built with the efficiency and durability they need to succeed.”
The Carlyle Tools MAX IMPACT Scholarship will help unleash a new force in the skilled trades world. For Carlyle, this is an investment in the future forces who’ll keep America’s engines running, systems functioning, and industries thriving.
Program Details:
- Eligibility: Open to students enrolled in accredited skilled trades programs focusing on automotive, diesel, collision repair, heavy equipment, marine, motorcycle, and aviation technology.
- Selection Criteria: Applicants are evaluated based on academic performance, demonstrated passion for their craft, technical aptitude, and potential to make an impact in the industry.
- How to Apply or Nominate: Applications and nominations can be submitted through NAPA partner, TechForce Foundation. Candidates must complete the online application form, submit academic transcripts, provide a personal statement explaining why they’re built different, and include at least one recommendation from an instructor or industry professional.
Scholarship Awards: Recipients will receive $2,500 and a professional-grade Carlyle toolbox, awarded monthly.
Carlyle is the tool line from NAPA, which has undergone a complete brand transformation to become top of the toolchain. Engineered by and for technicians to define unmatched quality and performance, Carlyle is BUILT DIFFERENT for the techs who demand power and accuracy from automotive tools.
For more information, please visit The Carlyle Tools MAX IMPACT Scholarship page: The Carlyle Tools MAX IMPACT Scholarship – TechForce
For more information about Carlyle Tools, visit CarlyleTools.com.
About NAPA
Through nearly 6,000 auto parts stores and over 18,000 auto care centers in the U.S., NAPA has America’s largest network of parts and care. The NAPA Network is supported by nationwide distribution centers with approximately 800,000 available parts, accessories, and supplies. Widely recognized for quality parts, rapid availability, and knowledgeable people, NAPA Auto Parts stores serve automotive service professionals, do-it-yourselfers, and everyday drivers with quality parts, accessories, and supplies to keep cars, trucks, and equipment performing safely and efficiently. In 2025, NAPA proudly celebrates its 100th anniversary by honoring its innovative spirit and centennial legacy through community initiatives and a renewed commitment to driving the industry forward for the next century. For more information, visit www.napaonline.com.

June 9, 2025June 19, 2025

SEMA Show Partners with TechForce Foundation to Host National Awards Honoring the Next Generation

Students and technicians will be honored side by side on the industry’s biggest stage

June 10, 2025 – Las Vegas, NV – TechForce Foundation, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to building the pipeline of skilled technicians, has partnered with the SEMA Show, the automotive aftermarket industry’s premier trade event, to present the 7th Annual Techs Rock Awards. For the first time in the program’s history, the Awards will be presented live on stage at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Each year, the Techs Rock Awards recognize standout students and working professionals in the technician field. This year marks a major milestone. Honorees/Grand Prize recipients will be celebrated live at the SEMA Show, the epicenter of the global automotive aftermarket. In front of thousands of manufacturers, employers, educators, and media, the nation’s top technicians will receive the recognition they have earned through their skill, dedication, and impact.

Winners will be honored on November 5, 2025, during the SEMA Show. Finalists will be selected in six categories: Automotive and Motorsports, Diesel, Collision Restoration and Welding, Aviation Motorcycle and Marine, and Evolving Technologies and HVAC. This year’s judging panel will include well-known voices in the industry, including ChrisFix, YouTube’s most-followed automotive DIY creator, and Humble Mechanic, a trusted voice in technician education and culture.

Technicians are the workforce behind every vehicle on the road, every aircraft in the sky, and every delivery that reaches its destination. These careers are essential to our economy, but they are too often overlooked.

“Technicians don’t just fix things. They keep America moving,” said Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce Foundation. “The SEMA Show gives us a national platform to say, ‘We see you. We value you.’ And for the students preparing to join the workforce, it shows there is a future in this field that is respected and real.”

“The SEMA Show is where the automotive aftermarket industry’s future takes shape – through breakthrough products, new ideas, and rising talent,” said RJ de Vera, SEMA Vice President of Marketing. “Technicians play a critical role in that future, and with the TechForce Foundation, we’re proud to spotlight and support those who will carry the torch forward.”

Nominations open June 24 and close August 11. Anyone can nominate a deserving student or technician at TechForce.org/TechsRock. A panel of judges will review submissions and select the finalists. From September 24 through October 15, the public will vote to determine one student and one working technician as Grand Prize Winners. Both will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas to be honored on stage during the show.

Since 2018, the Techs Rock Awards have recognized 77 outstanding students and technicians. The program highlights the value of technical careers and helps lift up role models who are shaping the future of the skilled trades.

About SEMA and the SEMA Show

Image with text: NTHS Scholarship. NTHS is providing (2) $2,500 scholarships annually through the TechForce platform. These scholarships are available to NTHS members pursuing careers in the skilled trades.

May 20, 2025May 20, 2025

TechForce Foundation, NTHS Collaborate to Empower Improve Technical Students’ Career Readiness and Education Success

TechForce Foundation, NTHS Collaborate to Improve Technical Students’ Career Readiness and Education Success

The collaboration equips students and educators with resources for education and career success, including two $2,500 scholarships and a comprehensive career portal

May 20, 2025—PHOENIX, AZ and FLAT ROCK, NC—Leading skilled trade nonprofits TechForce Foundation and National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) today announced a collaboration focused on building the next generation of technicians. This collaboration provides students with resources and critical scholarship support to excel in their technical education and successfully transition to the skilled technician workforce. NTHS and TechForce celebrated the agreement with two $2,500 scholarships funded by NTHS and administered by TechForce.

The nonprofit-to-nonprofit partnership will connect students to educational resources and career opportunities. TechForce champions students through their education and into technician careers with resources including training content, scholarships and grants, industry connections, and career opportunities made available in the TechForce network. NTHS is the premier honor society celebrating excellence in career and technical education, dedicated to recognizing student achievement and supporting members with resources throughout their educational and professional journeys.

“This collaborative agreement amplifies the impact of both our organizations,” said Jennifer Maher, TechForce Foundation CEO. “TechForce is eager to connect NTHS’s members with our career building resources, and prepare students for real world success in their education and career goals. TechForce is committed to supporting the next generation of technicians at every step of their journey. With partners like NTHS, TechForce inspires students to pursue technical education, supports them through their education, and helps them connect with successful technician careers, so that their communities thrive.”

Peyton Holland, NTHS Executive Director added, “At NTHS, we believe that recognizing and supporting students in their technical education journey is essential to building a stronger, more skilled workforce. Our collaboration with TechForce Foundation helps us move forward in that mission. By connecting our members with the TechForce network and resources, and TechForce encouraging participation in NTHS, we’re opening doors for students to gain not only recognition, but also the real-world skills and opportunities they need to thrive in their careers.”

The NTHS Scholarship is open in TechForce through June 30, 2025. NTHS members can find the application through their NTHS portal by following the instructions on NTHS.org/TechForce/. NTHS members who complete TechForce’s general scholarship application by the deadline will be considered. For detailed instructions on how to apply, visit NTHS.org/TechForce/.

About TechForce Foundation
TechForce Foundation is a national nonprofit, 501(c)(3) with the mission to champion all students to and through their education and into careers as professional technicians. TechForce powers the technician workforce by awarding more than $6 million in scholarships and grants annually to financially disadvantaged students; changes perceptions towards this evolving, ‘new collar’ STEM career; and provides local career exploration and workforce development programming. TechForce’s online network of students, working technicians, instructors, employers, industry professionals and enthusiasts is the conduit through which the charity delivers its free resources for the benefit of aspiring technicians. For more information, visit techforce.org. Follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X and Linkedin.

About the National Technical Honor Society
The National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) is the honor society for Career and Technical Education (CTE), serving high schools, career centers, community & technical colleges, and universities across the U.S. NTHS celebrates student achievement, promotes educational excellence, and champions the skilled workforce of tomorrow. With over 100,000 active members annually and over $300,000 awarded in scholarships each year, NTHS is committed to elevating the perception of CTE and empowering students through recognition, leadership, service, and career development. For more information, visit nths.org or follow NTHS on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter).

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April 23, 2025May 20, 2025

AutoZone Partners with TechForce Foundation to Fight the Technician Shortage by Awarding $60,000 in Scholarships

MEMPHIS, Tenn., April 23, 2025 — AutoZone, Inc. today, in partnership with TechForce
Foundation, announced $60,000 in scholarships to support students pursuing careers as
skilled technicians. The donation funds more than thirty scholarships to help students
cover the cost of their technical education and continue to build the next generation of
technicians.
The announcement comes on the heels of TechForce’s Technician Supply & Demand
Report, which in December found that the U.S. still needs nearly 1 million new
automotive, aviation, collision repair, and diesel technicians over the next five years.
“Thousands of technicians have completed school and entered the workforce after
receiving support from TechForce,” said TechForce Foundation CEO Jennifer Maher.
“When a few hundred-dollar expenses are all it takes to derail a student’s technical
education, each scholarship makes a difference. AutoZone’s donation furthers our work
to end the technician shortage and ensure young people and communities thrive. With
our partners, TechForce is building the technician pipeline by connecting students’
curiosity to successful careers. AutoZone has been a partner for over 10 years, and we
appreciate their steadfast support for TechForce Foundation’s charitable work.”
AutoZone’s scholarship contribution is in addition to the company’s ongoing annual
donation in general support for TechForce Foundation’s charitable mission to champion
all students to and through their technical education and into careers as professional
technicians.
“AutoZone is proud to continue our partnership, which has been in place since 2011, with
TechForce,” said Ken Jaycox, Senior Vice President, Commercial, Customer Satisfaction,
AutoZone. “This collaboration is one of the many ways we support our customers by
fostering career paths for those interested in the automotive industry and increasing the
pool of trained technicians in the workforce, which benefits both our customers operating
professional repair facilities and vehicle owners who rely on those technicians.”
Past scholarship recipients have found academic success and gone on to begin
rewarding technician careers with the support of AutoZone and TechForce Foundation.

One such recipient is Michael Buscher. Michael received a scholarship while attending
Universal Technical Institute in 2024, and today works as a diesel technician and
welder/fabricator for an independent shop in Pearland, Texas.
Michael says, “The scholarship has been instrumental in supporting my education and
career goals. It helped alleviate the financial burden of attending tech school, enabling
me to focus on my training. Additionally, it has given me the opportunity to pursue higher
education in college while working part-time to gain hands-on experience in the field.
This combination of education and work experience has set a strong foundation for my
future career.”
TechForce Foundation scholarships provide vital financial assistance to students
pursuing careers in the skilled trades, including those training to become service
technicians. Scholarships support students’ tuition, tools, and other training-related
expenses, easing the financial burden of pursuing a technician career.
About AutoZone
As of February 15, 2025, Company had 6,483 stores in the U.S., 813 in Mexico and 136
in Brazil for a total store count of 7,432.
AutoZone is the leading retailer and distributor of automotive replacement parts and
accessories in the Americas. Each store carries an extensive product line for cars, sport
utility vehicles, vans and light duty trucks, including new and remanufactured automotive
hard parts, maintenance items, accessories, and non-automotive products. The majority
of stores have a commercial sales program that provides prompt delivery of parts and
other products and commercial credit to local, regional and national repair garages,
dealers, service stations, fleet owners and other accounts. AutoZone also sells
automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories and non-automotive products
through www.autozone.com, and our commercial customers can make purchases
through www.autozonepro.com. Additionally, we sell the ALLDATA brand of automotive
diagnostic, repair, collision and shop management software through www.alldata.com.
We also provide product information on our Duralast branded products through
www.duralastparts.com. AutoZone does not derive revenue from automotive repair or
installation services.
About TechForce Foundation
TechForce Foundation is a national nonprofit, 501(c)(3) with the mission to champion all
students to and through their education and into careers as professional technicians.

TechForce powers the technician workforce by awarding more than $6 million in
scholarships and grants annually to financially disadvantaged students; changes
perceptions towards this evolving, ‘new collar’ STEM career; and provides local career
exploration and workforce development programming. TechForce’s online network of
students, working technicians, instructors, employers, industry professionals and
enthusiasts is the conduit through which the charity delivers its free resources for the
benefit of aspiring technicians. For more information, visit techforce.org. Follow us on
TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Linkedin.
Media Contacts:
● AutoZone:
○ Financial: Brian Campbell at (901) 495-7005, brian.campbell@autozone.com
○ Media: Jennifer Hughes at (901) 495-6022, jennifer.hughes@autozone.com
● TechForce:
○ VP of Marketing & IT, Reagan Bender at (360)820-9922,
rbender@techforce.org

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January 9, 2025January 10, 2025

New at TechForce | December 2024

Happy Holidays from TechForce Foundation!

As we celebrate this season of giving and gratitude, we’re excited to share opportunities that can make 2025 your best year yet! From scholarships to contests, there’s something for everyone to kickstart their journey.

🎓 2025 Scholarships Now Open 💰 $4M+ in scholarships are waiting for YOU! It only takes 15 minutes to apply, and you could earn up to $5,000 to fuel your education and career goals. Don’t wait—visit TechForce.org and apply today!

🔧 Snap-on Tools Contest 🚨 Win $2,500 worth of Snap-on tools! 🚨 Answer the “One Skill” question in the network and be entered to win big. Whether it’s a skill you’ve mastered or one you’re eager to learn, we want to hear your story.

👉 Open to: New Student Users

🏆 Leaderboard Challenge Earn points in the network and climb the charts! The top three students and instructors will each win $900 in Shell Gift Cards. 👉 Open to: Students & Instructors

🚗 Hertz Car Rental Contest Share a story about a mentor who inspired you, and you could win a 3-day Hertz car rental! Plus, answering a few questions gets you a chance to win a $250 Shell Gift Card. 👉 Open to: All users 25 and older

📖 Gearhead Chronicles What advice would you give your younger self? Share your wisdom to inspire others and enter to win a $250 Gift Card. 👉 Open to: All users

🌱 BASF iPad Giveaway Tell us about your eco-friendly shop and why sustainability matters. Win an iPad and show your commitment to green practices! 👉 Open to: All users

🔊 Name That Sound Think you know your stuff? Guess the sound correctly, and you could win a $50 Harbor Freight Gift Card. 👉 Open to: All users

12621 N Tatum Blvd #304, Phoenix, AZ, United States, 85032

January 9, 2025January 9, 2025

CECU and TechForce Foundation Collaborate to Empower the Workforce of Tomorrow

This strategic collaboration aims to support more students pursuing careers in the trades, highlighting the resources available to help them become the next generation of skilled professionals.

January 09, 2025 — Phoenix, Ariz. and Arlington, Va. — TechForce Foundation (TechForce) and Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU) have entered a strategic collaboration to empower the next generation of skilled trade professionals.

CECU member schools represent more than 800 campuses across the United States, training graduates in a variety of skilled, career-ready professions. With more than 250 campuses specializing in aviation, automotive, collision repair, diesel, and welding technician training, this mutually beneficial collaboration will provide students with the access and support needed to achieve their career goals.

TechForce awards scholarships in the following fields:

Automotive
Auto Body – Repair/Restoration and Preservation
Aviation
CNC Machining
Diesel
HVAC
Marine & Watercraft
Motorcycle & Recreational Vehicles
Welding

Through the collaboration, CECU will introduce TechForce Foundation’s career-building resources to its members, giving them access to TechForce™, a network of students, instructors, and working techs. The online career hub supports students’ career growth and development, from building their interest and skills to connecting with year-round scholarships, events, apprenticeships and jobs. Reciprocally, TechForce will educate its network about career training opportunities through CECU member schools and industry advancement through the Employer Engagement Network.

“Collaborations are vital to addressing the technician shortage and ensuring students find an education and career that works for them,” said Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce Foundation. “TechForce helps students understand the steps to become a technician and provides the resources (scholarships, training aids, industry connections) students need to start their careers. We are excited to partner with CECU and its member schools to reach even more students. Together we can empower the next generation to succeed in essential skilled trade careers that keep America moving.”

“We are excited about this exclusive partnership with TechForce, one of the premier support organizations for students pursuing careers in the skilled trades,” states CECU’s President and CEO Dr. Jason Altmire. “This partnership will provide students at CECU-member schools increased access to scholarships and other resources, helping them continue their education and expanding the pipeline to a skilled workforce across a variety of high-demand professions.”

The workforce shortage remains a persistent challenge across the United States. The most recent research from TechForce finds four job openings for every tech school graduate, with nearly one million new technicians needed over the next five years. Through this collective partnership, TechForce Foundation and CECU will introduce more students and instructors to the existing resources than ever before. The anticipated result is more students enrolling in and completing technical education and a larger, better-prepared next-generation technician workforce.

About TechForce Foundation
TechForce Foundation is a national nonprofit, 501(c)(3) with the mission to champion all students to and through their education and into careers as professional technicians. TechForce powers the technician workforce by awarding more than $4 million in scholarships and grants annually to financially disadvantaged students; changing perceptions towards this evolving, ‘new collar’ STEM career; and providing local career exploration and workforce development programming. TechForce’s online network of 50,000+ students, working technicians, instructors, employers, industry professionals and enthusiasts is the conduit through which the charity delivers its free resources for the benefit of aspiring technicians. For more information, visit techforce.org. Follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin and YouTube.

About CECU
Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU) is the national organization serving postsecondary career education schools, staff, and most importantly, students. As a voluntary membership organization that serves as the national voice for the proprietary higher education sector, CECU is the voice of career education. Representing over 1,300 campuses across North America, CECU provides valuable services for members and advocates for policies that advance postsecondary career education. All CECU member schools are licensed by the state(s), accredited by a regional or national accreditor, and must be eligible to participate in Title IV financial aid programs. For more information, visit career.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

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ENTER AS

TechForce Foundation Announces its Board of Directors’ Officers and Celebrates Historic $1 Million Scholarship Month

TechForce Foundation, NTHS Collaborate to Improve Technical Students’ Career Readiness and Education Success

The collaboration equips students and educators with resources for education and career success, including two $2,500 scholarships and a comprehensive career portal

CECU and TechForce Foundation Collaborate to Empower the Workforce of Tomorrow

This strategic collaboration aims to support more students pursuing careers in the trades, highlighting the resources available to help them become the next generation of skilled professionals.

Please share your contact details and a TechForce team member will contact you.