Under The Hood Newsletter | April 2022

 

The official newsletter of TECHFORCE FOUNDATION®

April 12, 2022

TechForce engagement opportunities this month

The TechForce Champion BadgeTechForce’s FutureTechs Rock Awards are open now. Nominations close on Tuesday, April 19. Tips to activate the Awards with your workforce or customers can be found here>> Certainly you know a tech student who rocks. Build respect and loyalty by nominating them!

Please continue to promote the TechForce Career Network and our Women Techs Rock DEI interview series. We need your help spreading the word!


EVENTS

Join TechForce’s free Social Network for tickets to upcoming events! Get started>>

CLOSING SOON: FutureTechs Rock Awards – $17k in student prizes

Logo of the 2022 FutureTechs Rock AwardsThe FutureTechs Rock Awards™ nominations are open now through 4PM PT on April 19, 2022. You could win your share of more than $17,000 in prizes! Nominators also have a chance to win prizes worth $225 each. Learn more and nominate a technician student before the April 19 deadline at TechForce.org/FutureTechsRock

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TechForce students at INDYCAR with Jimmie Johnson and Carvana

TechForce partnered with Carvana and Jimmie Johnson for an amazing INDYCAR weekend in Long Beach! 25 students from 10 schools across the country attended the event with tickets from the TechForce Network.

A photo Jimmie Johnson's TechForce branded INDYCARThe students met Jimmie Johnson and the #48 crew, and saw Jimmie’s TechForce Foundation branded car in action! Don’t miss your chance to attend future events. Create your free profile in TechForce’s Social Network to access future experiences like these in your area.

Watch it again: Online Q&A with real INDYCAR technicians

Promotional image for the Q& with Mike Le Gallic and Anna Chatten of INDYCAR Team 48Watch last week’s Q&A with Mike Le Gallic and Anna Chatten of INDYCAR’s Team 48! Le Gallic and Chatten answer questions from TechForce Network members and offer expert insight on how to get your start as a professional racecar technician. The event is brought to you by Carvana and TechForce Foundation. Watch it for free here>>


SCHOLARSHIPS – Apply now!

Are you a student, or do you know one? TechForce awards $1.5 million in scholarships and grants each year to help students pay for their technical education. See scholarship opportunities below from TechForce and our partners:

TechForce Foundation badge/iconOpportunity: TechForce Accelerate Tuition Scholarship
Deadline: April 30, 2022 | Award range: $1,000 – $2,000
Learn more and apply>>

Logo of the Mike Rowe Works FoundationOpportunity: Work Ethic Scholarship Program
Awarded by: mikeroweWORKS Foundation
Deadline: April 14, 2022 |
Award range: Varies; $1M to be awarded
Learn more and apply>>

Logo of the Women in Trucking FoundationOpportunity: The Women In Trucking Foundation Spring Scholarship
Awarded by: Women in Trucking Foundation
Deadline: April 15, 2022 | Award range: $1,000
Learn more and apply>>

Logo of Automotive Service Councils Educational FoundationOpportunity: ASCEF Annual Scholarship
Awarded by: Automotive Service Councils Educational Foundation
Deadline: May 31, 2022 | Award range: $500 – $1,000
Learn more and apply>>


TECHFORCE NEWS

Stay up to date with news and other updates from TechForce Foundation below.

Flyer for Kim McCulloughs episode of Women Shifting Gears-1TODAY: TechForce Board Member Kim McCullough on Women Shifting Gears

Join TechForce Board Member Kim McCullough for a live episode of the Women Shifting Gears podcast today at 7 PM EDT/ 4 PM PDT. Learn from Kim’s experience as an automotive marketing executive and lifelong lover of cars. RSVP to reserve your seat and receive a link to the live virtual event>>

#WomenTechsRock Meet diesel technician Makayla Andrews

An image of Makayla Andrews with her quote, "I'm the sunlight of the shop." superimposed over top.Professional diesel technician Makayla Andrews knows it can be nerve-wracking to start any job, let alone one where you might feel like the odd person out. Her advice? Approach your work with enthusiasm and a positive attitude, and the rest will follow. Watch Makayla’s interview for her tips for success>>

Help us inspire more technicians like Makayla. Tell TechForce about a woman technician who rocks>>

CarMax tech honored at STX 2022 for Techs Rock Grand Prize

Donald Ranquist on stage at the 2022 Worldpac STX ConferenceCarMax technician and 2021 Techs Rock Awards Grand Prize Winner Donald Ranquist joined TechForce staff and was honored on stage at WorldPac’s Supplier and Training Expo (STX 2022)! Donald won a trip to the Expo in Orlando as part of his Grand Prize, thanks to our partner Advance Auto Parts. Learn more about the 2021 Techs Rock Awards>>. Nominate a student for the 2022 FutureTechs Rock Awards today>>

Have you joined the TechForce Network?

Image of a hand holding a tablet with TechForce's Social Network loaded on the screen. The image is on a yellow background.Take advantage of everything the TechForce Social Network has to offer. Log in to your free account to access training, job postings, contests, events, scholarships, and more! If you haven’t joined TechForce, what are you waiting for? Create your profile for free today>>

Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence

Advertisement for Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching ExcellenceDon’t let an outstanding teacher miss their chance at the 2022 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence! Our friends at Harbor Freight Tools for Schools are awarding $1.25 Million to 20 skilled trades teachers and programs in U.S. public high schools. The deadline is May 20. Apply today>>

On the move: TechForce’s STEM Career Center at EVIT

Students participating in STEM activities outdoors in front of TechForce's STEM Career Center mobile exhibit.TechForce’s STEM Career Center was at the East Valley Institute of Technology’s (EVIT) Automotive Skills Challenge and Career Fair. Students from 12 local high schools stopped by the exhibit to learn about the TechForce Network, win giveaways, and meet with recruiters from our corporate partners. Find upcoming events near you at JoinTechForce.org>>

A photo of Lisa Evans

TechForce Foundation welcomes Lisa Evans as its Chief Development Officer

TechForce Foundation welcomes Lisa Evans, CFRE, as our Chief Development Officer. Evans brings over 20 years’ experience in non-profit development, and TechForce is thrilled to welcome her to the team! Read the official announcement here>>

Lyft joins TechForce workforce development campaign

Lyft_Logo_Pink-1-1TechForce Foundation welcomes Lyft as a donor to our Life Happens Emergency grant program, contributing rider credits to students needing emergency transport to get to school or work, as they build their professional technician careers. TechForce looks forward to the partnership with Lyft to fuel the pipeline of future technicians. See the full list of TechForce supporters here>>

Join the great organizations below in supporting TechForce. Donate now>>

Thank you to TechForce Foundation’s top-tier corporate partners and celebrity ambassadors!

The logos of all TechForce top-tier sponsors as of April 12, 2022The logos of TechForce's celebrity partner logos as of April 12, 2022

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TechForce Foundations names Lisa Evans, CFRE, as Chief Development Officer

TechForce launches 2022 FutureTechs Rock Awards

Logo of the 2022 TechForce Foundation FutureTechs Rock Awards

TechForce Foundation Now Accepting Nominations
for its 4th Annual FutureTechs Rock AwardsTM

Ten transportation technician students to be recognized for outstanding
contributions as role models at school and in their communities

April 4, 2022 – SCOTTSDALE, AZ – TechForce Foundation’s® annual FutureTechs Rock Awards season has begun. TechForce created this prestigious award to honor aspiring technicians and recognize those students with a promising future in the transportation industry. The FutureTechs Rock Awards are accepting nominations through 4 PM PDT, April 19, 2022. Nominate a technician student today at TechForce.org/FutureTechsRock.

Over $17,000 in scholarships and prizes will be awarded:

Each category winner, selected by a panel of industry experts, will receive prizes valued at $1,300 including tools, training materials and products from TechForce partners AutoZone, CRC Industries, Advance Auto Parts, Ford, Cengage, WD-40 Company and Snap-on Industrial.

The Grand Prize Winner, as chosen by popular vote, will receive a $1,000 TechForce Foundation scholarship and additional prizes valued over $2,800 from AutoZone, CRC Industries, Advance Auto Parts, Ford, Cengage, WD-40 Company and Snap-on Industrial.

Students will be considered for one of ten categories depending on their academic program’s focus, including Automotive, Diesel On-Road and Off-Road, Motorcycle/ATV, Marine/Watercraft, Aviation, Restoration, Motorsports, Collision Repair and Welding/CNC.

A panel of industry experts will select one finalist from each of the ten categories. The Grand Prize Winner will be selected from the slate of finalists via a People’s Choice Public Vote, to be held May 2-6, 2022.

2021 Grand Prize Winner Zander Worm remarked on the FutureTechs Rock Awards, “It’s amazing to know that other people have faith in me, that I [have something] to offer to the industry… [The Awards] are helping me start my career… debt free.” Hear Zander’s message and meet last year’s winners.

Nominators and voters also have a chance to win. Every person who nominates a student or votes for the Grand Prize Winner will be entered into drawings to win one of 11 prizes valued between $125 and $225 each, courtesy of TechForce partners AutoZone and CRC Industries.

The FutureTechs Rock Awards are part of TechForce Foundation’s workforce development initiative to help inspire and support tomorrow’s workforce of technicians. TechForce has also created the first and only social network designed and gamified for professional technicians and tech students to connect with each other, employers and schools (JoinTechForce.org). The transportation community is supporting it with content and using it to learn, connect, find events, and explore job opportunities while competing for prizes and leaderboard status.

About TechForce Foundation

TechForce Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) with the mission to champion all students to and through their technical education and into careers as professional transportation technicians. The Foundation distributes more than $1.2 million in scholarships and grants annually, thanks to its generous corporate sponsors and donors, and spearheads an industry-wide workforce development initiative to help encourage and support more young people to pursue the vehicle technician profession. This includes a network of students, working technicians, instructors, employers, industry professionals and enthusiasts committed to championing the technician workforce. For more information, visit www.techforce.org. Follow us on Facebook, InstagramTwitter and Linkedin.

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Under The Hood Newsletter | March 2022




The official newsletter of TECHFORCE FOUNDATION®

March 14, 2022

Help TechForce earn $$ with IndyCar’s Jimmie Johnson & Carvana

2022-03_Carvana Livery Preview_TechForceIntro_60sec_v8-2When you sign-up at carvana.com/driven Carvana will donate $1 to TechForce Foundation, and you will get an exclusive preview of Jimmie Johnson’s TechForce livery (IndyCar paint job) ahead of its debut at IndyCar’s Acura Grand Prix in Long Beach, CA. It’s a win-win! Show your support for TechForce now>>

 

#WomenTechsRock Meet marine technician Briana Roche

WTR_TFN_Briana_Roche_1600x900_100T_220228Meet MMI marine technician student Briana Roche. After struggling with college, Brianna realized that a hands-on career was the right fit for her, and she made the jump to a career she loves. Find out how she went from fixing VCRs and other household appliances to working on boat engines. Hear Briana’s story>>

Help us inspire more technicians like Briana. Tell TechForce about a woman technician who rocks>>

 

Next Month: 2022 FutureTechs Rock Awards celebrating students

FutureTechsRock_Awards_Full Logo_Blue_220208Mark your calendar! Nominations for TechForce Foundation’s annual FutureTechs Rock Awards are open April 4-19, 2022. The Awards celebrate the student technicians who are driving the future of the transportation industry. For the first time, nominators can also win cool rewards from AutoZone and CRC Industries. Learn more about the 2022 Awards>>

Scholarship Recipient: Penske Outstanding Student Kyle Eaton

2022-03_Scholarship Winner_Kyle Eaton_Penske Outstanding Student-1Congratulations to Kyle Eaton on winning the $8,000 Roger Penske Outstanding Student Award! Kyle began his training at UTI during the height of the pandemic in August 2020. He has maintained a 4.0 GPA and even started working at a local dealership as an entry-level tech while in school. TechForce is proud to help Kyle with the cost of his technical education. Learn more about TechForce scholarships>>

Technician students need your help – Donate to TechForce today

2022_03_Student photo_Technician students need your help-2-1The cost of attending school is higher than ever, and technician students need your help. Your tax-deductible donation will fund our work to build the pipeline of future technicians. A donation of $50, $25 or even $10 can help keep a student in school and on the road to becoming a professional technician. Donate today>>

2022_03_Scholarship icon from Network-2

Know a student? Have them apply for TechForce Foundation scholarships & grants

TechForce Foundation awards $1.5 million in scholarships and grants annually to help students across the country get their technical education. Help a student you know pursue their education and achieve their technician career goals. Learn more and apply at TechForce.org/Scholarships>>

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Have you joined the TechForce Network yet?

From companies and schools to industry professionals, working technicians and students, the TechForce Network has something for everyone. With TechForce you can earn scholarships, improve your skills, build your network and accelerate your career. Create your profile for free today at JoinTechForce.org>>

2022-03_CRC Special Trivia

Trivia Takeover with CRC Industries 

CRC Industries brings you this week’s special trivia in the TechForce Network. Log in to challenge your colleagues, earn points and climb the leaderboard. You just might learn something, too! Play trivia at JoinTechForce.org>>

CONTEST: What is your strangest customer experience?

2022-03_Customer request contestCalling all technicians! We want to hear about the strangest experience you have had with a customer. It could be the time someone brought in a car without a muffler, or maybe they drove around with a detonated suspension. You tell us! Enter your story in the contest at JoinTechForce.org>>

Thank you to TechForce Foundation’s top-tier corporate partners and celebrity ambassadors!

 

2022-03_Sponsor logos as of 220311

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Under the Hood newsletter | February 2022




The official newsletter of TECHFORCE FOUNDATION®

February 15, 2022

STEM Career Center’s new truck brings activities to Gen Z nationwide

2022-01_TechForce Foundation STEM Center Penske Truck Unveil-102-1TechForce unveiled its new 26’ specially equipped box truck donated by Penske Truck Leasing to support our mobile STEM Career Center! The truck features a custom wrap done by Roush, awnings, TVs and the storage to move our 2,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits specifically designed to engage Gen Z and help them discover rewarding careers as professional technicians. Thank you to Penske Truck Leasing and all other donors, including Shell Lubricants, Ford Motor Company, Snap-on and Sunstate Equipment who support the STEM Career Center>>

 

Last chance – Join the RevUp Campaign before it ends

Screen Shot 2022-02-02 at 11.29.09 PMThere is only one day left to claim your discount with TechForce’s first-ever cause marketing campaign! Join WD-40® Brand, Advance Auto Parts and The Humble Mechanic to support a new generation of trade professionals. Act now – the RevUp Campaign ends Wednesday, Feb. 16! Learn more at TechForce.org/RevUp>>

 

#WomenTechsRock Meet aviation technician Elena Gonzalez

2022-01_WTR Elena GonzalezMeet Elena Gonzalez, an aviation technician and founder of the FixFlyTravel Project. Elena began her technician training when she was 14 years old. She believed she could succeed as a technician thanks to the example set by her teacher, a woman tech who also served as Elena’s mentor. Hear Elena’s story>>

Help us inspire more technicians like Elena. Tell TechForce about a woman technician who rocks>>

 

2022-01_bod_angie_babin

TechForce elects its 2022 Board Officers

Angie Babin, VP of Supply Chain with Caliber Collision, has been elected President/Chair of TechForce’s 2022 Board of Directors. Additionally, Kim McCullough and John Heenan have been named Vice Chairs, David Ellis named Treasurer, and Chris Blanchette the Immediate Past President. Read the full announcement along with the complete list of board members here>>

 

2022-01_Donate your vehicle students-1

Donate your car, RV or boat to TechForce (It’s tax-deductible and easy!)

Donate your car, RV or boat to TechForce. Our partner, CarDonationWizard, handles all steps, makes it easy for you, and turns your tax-deductible donation into dollars that support our mission. Learn more and donate your vehicle today>>

 

TechForce gives students unique experiences during Arizona Auto Week

2022-01_TechForce Foundation 2022 STEM Career Center Penske Truck Unveil-139-1-1TechForce and its partner Shell Oil Company provided more than 100 students with tickets to Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, and a behind the scenes tour which included lunch, the ability to stand on the auction stage, get up close with some of the 1800+ auction cars, and learn about a technician’s role in making the auction happen.

2022-01_Weinberger Experience Arizona Auto Week-1

Additionally, TechForce teamed up with the John F. Weinberger Driven to Care program to offer select students an intimate VIP tour of British Automotive Repair, Vintage Iron and Restoration, and RM Sotheby’s Auction at the Arizona Biltmore. To attend upcoming free events, join TechForce’s social network>>

 

Thank you to TechForce Foundation’s top-tier corporate partners!

 

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TechForce elects first female Board Chair, announces 2022 Board of Directors

Angie Babin of Caliber Collision elected Chair
of TechForce Foundation Board of Directors

New Officers & Board Members named

February 8, 2022 – SCOTTSDALE, AZ – TechForce Foundation announces Angie Babin, VP of Supply Chain with Caliber Collision has been elected President/Chair of its Board of Directors. TechForce also announces its 2022 officers and board members, including high-level executives, experts and educators from throughout the transportation industry.

“Since joining the Board in 2018, Angie Babin has made significant contributions to the organization’s success, including her leadership as Vice Chair and her work on TechForce’s Resource Development Committee,” said Chris Blanchette of Advance Auto Parts, Immediate Past President/Chair of the TechForce Board. “Angie is the first woman to serve as Chair of TechForce Foundation’s Board. We look forward to her continued leadership and great things to come.”

TechForce also welcomes Michelle Johnson, Senior Manager, Aftersales Training for Nissan North America, Inc. as the newest Director to join the Board. She brings expertise earned over more than 20 years in the industry, working with brands including Nissan North America, Infiniti Motor Company and Ford Motor Company.

“We are proud to welcome Michelle Johnson to the Board,” says Jennifer Maher, TechForce Foundation CEO. “Serving on the TechForce Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advisory Council since 2021, Michelle is well acquainted with TechForce Foundation’s mission. We look forward to her continued contributions in her new role on our Board of Directors.”

The composition of TechForce Foundation’s 12-member Board of Directors includes:

Officers:

   – Angie Babin, Chair/President, Vice President of Supply Chain, Caliber Collision (Texas)
   – Chris Blanchette, Immediate Past President, VP Strategic Store Operations, Advance Auto Parts (North Carolina)
   – Kim McCullough, Vice Chair, Formerly Jaguar/Land Rover (New Jersey)
   – John Heenan, Vice Chair, Owner/CEO, Ten November Management (Pennsylvania)
   – David Ellis, Treasurer, Owner, Ellis Automotive (Illinois)
   – Jennifer Maher, Secretary, CEO, TechForce Foundation (Arizona)

Directors:

   – Barrett Crane, National Sales Manager – Education Sales, Snap-on Industrial (Wisconsin)
   – Mark Ferner, Senior Manager, Technical Operations, Bridgestone Retail Operations (Tennessee)
   – Mike Hoffman, Vice President, Facilities, Equipment & Maintenance, FedEx Freight (Tennessee)
   – Michelle Johnson, Senior Manager, Aftersales Training, Nissan North America, Inc. (Tennessee)
   – Denise Kingstrom, Supply Chain Director, Coatings Solutions, BASF Corporation (Texas)
   – Cody Metcalf, Instructor, EVIT – East Valley Institute of Technology (Arizona)

TechForce Foundation board member biographies, roles and photographs can be found on the organization’s website at www.techforce.org/about/#bod

About TechForce Foundation

TechForce Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) with the mission to champion all students to and through their technical education and into careers as professional transportation technicians. The Foundation distributes more than $1.2 million in scholarships and grants annually, thanks to its generous corporate sponsors and donors, and spearheads an industry-wide workforce development initiative to help encourage and support more young people to pursue the vehicle technician profession. This includes a network of students, working technicians, instructors, employers, industry professionals and enthusiasts committed to championing the technician workforce. For more information, visit www.techforce.org. Follow us on Facebook, InstagramTwitter and Linkedin.

Links

Photos & bios: https://techforce.org/about/#bod

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New TechForce Mobile STEM Career Center brings hands-on transportation tech activities to Gen Z students nationwide

New TechForce Mobile STEM Career Center brings hands-on transportation tech activities to Gen Z students nationwide

Penske Truck Leasing Donates Truck to get STEM Center on the road

(January 22, 2022 – SCOTTSDALE, AZ) – Penske Truck Leasing has donated a specially equipped 26-foot Freightliner M2 box truck to house and transport the TechForce Foundation Mobile STEM Career Center. The truck was introduced at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction with a news conference on Saturday, January 22 at 9:30 AM MST.

Penske Truck Leasing executives hand keys to the donated STEM Center truck to TechForce CEO Jennifer Maher.
Penske Truck Leasing executives handing the keys to the donated STEM Center truck to TechForce CEO Jennifer Maher.

The TechForce Mobile STEM Career Center is a traveling hands-on exhibit designed to engage Gen Z and help them discover the rewarding career path as professional technicians in the transportation field. Part of TechForce’s national workforce development initiative, the Center can be deployed for indoor or outdoor activities and can scale from several hands-on activities to more than a dozen. It features a built-in exterior video wall as well as retractable awnings and two large free-standing shade covers. It also serves as a mobile billboard and its eye-catching design was a collaboration between artist Kevin Paige and Roush Industries which donated the integrated design and wrap.

“This generous donation from Penske Truck Leasing is helping amplify TechForce’s ability to directly engage with many more young people who may not realize they might have a knack for this career path,” according to TechForce CEO, Jennifer Maher. “Although we developed the STEM career activities over the past few years, we’ve been limited by our ability to deploy them – these are big and heavy activities. This Penske truck makes us highly mobile, and we are looking forward to hitting the road in 2022. The real reward for us is when we get to see these young people light up as they discover their skills and how much they enjoy these activities which can lead to considering a rewarding career as a transportation tech.” 

“Technicians are a key component of keeping the supply chain in motion by servicing existing diesel engines and the emerging EV technologies. Investing in the next generation of technicians is vital to our business and industry,” said Art Vallely, president of Penske Truck Leasing. “Our ability to configure this vehicle to fit the Mobile STEM Center’s needs was the perfect opportunity for us to align with our continued pledge to support TechForce and its efforts to engage with future technicians.”

The Mobile STEM Career Center activities include:

– Pit Stop Challenge – Race against the clock to see who can change the tires fastest on the front clip of a real NASCAR. Get to use the real power tools from the racing pits.

– Go Nutz – See how good you are at matching the fasteners (nuts) to the Snap-on wrenches.

– The Virtual V8 – Discover the inner workings of the virtual V-8 engine projected into your real world.

– Off the Line – Test your reflexes on a real light tree from a drag strip starting line.

– Slot Car Racing – Discover how shape and weight can determine the winning car as you take on challengers.

– High-tech circuits – Build your own functioning circuitry with real circuit boards, wires, motors and lights.

– How’s It Work – Discovery station manned by instructors who demonstrate some of the common auto systems and maybe even some catastrophic failures.

– Model of Power – Try your hand at building a functioning scaled-down model of a V-8 engine.

– Cutaway V-10 – Check out the inner workings of a real high-performance V-10 engine.

– Code-A-Car – Write code to power miniature auto functions like lights and fans.

– Ford GT – Check out and maybe even get your picture at the wheel of the Nicolas Cage Ford GT.

– TechForce Network – Explore the free competitions, events, training and other resources designed especially for the next generation of techs.

All of TechForce’s partners have helped bring this Mobile STEM Career Center to fruition. In addition to Penske and Roush, several others have been integral, in particular Shell Lubricants for helping fund its deployment to events like Barrett-Jackson, and to Ford Motor Company, Sunstate Equipment and Snap-on for helping to equip the Center.

About TechForce Foundation

TechForce Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) with the mission to champion all students to and through their technical education and into careers as professional transportation technicians. The Foundation distributes more than $1.2 million in scholarships and grants annually, thanks to its generous corporate sponsors and donors, and spearheads an industry-wide workforce development initiative to help encourage and support more young people to pursue the vehicle technician profession. This includes a network of students, working technicians, instructors, employers, industry professionals and enthusiasts committed to championing the technician workforce. For more information, visit www.techforce.org. Follow us on Facebook, InstagramTwitter and Linkedin.

About Penske Truck Leasing

Penske Truck Leasing is a Penske Transportation Solutions company headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania. A leading global transportation services provider, Penske Truck Leasing operates more than 360,000 vehicles and serves customers from more than 1,300 locations in North America, South America, Europe, Australia and Asia. Product lines include full-service truck leasing, contract maintenance, commercial and consumer truck rentals, used truck sales, transportation and warehousing management and supply chain management solutions. Visit www.pensketruckleasing.com to learn more.

Links to Photos and Videos

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TechForce Partners with WD-40 Brand and Advance Auto Parts On Scholarship Program


TechForce Partners with WD-40 Brand and
Advance Auto Parts On Scholarship Program

December 28, 2021 – SCOTTSDALE, AZ — WD-40® Brand is partnering with TechForce and Advance Auto Parts on a scholarship program to support a new generation of trade professionals.

WD-40 Brand will donate $25,000 to the TechForce Foundation, helping to fund 40 scholarships for those pursuing a career in skilled trades and in need of financial support. Scholarship recipients will also receive additional resources and career development opportunities.

“WD-40 Brand has a long history of championing skilled trades and new generations of trade professionals through products, education, scholarships and other resources,” said Erin Bala, senior director of brand experience, engagement & innovation at WD-40 Company. “Now, more than ever, America needs young people to enter the skilled trades and we are honored to support TechForce and Advance in their mission to support students in their education and careers as professional technicians.”

TechForce harnesses the collective resources of the transportation industry to develop tomorrow’s diverse workforce of qualified technicians by increasing awareness and enthusiasm for the skilled trades, providing resources to help access quality education for those with financial need, and connecting future techs and industry members through mentorship and career development opportunities.

“We’re currently facing a shocking labor shortage in the skilled trades, with nearly five jobs for every new tech school graduate, making it critical to help aspiring trade professionals overcome financial barriers,” said Jennifer Maher, TechForce, CEO. “The scholarship program creates a powerful opportunity to allow men and women to pursue a stable and rewarding career in the trades that have built our communities for centuries, while reducing the financial burden.”

Learn more at techforce.org/revup.

“Advance is proud to partner with WD-40 Brand and TechForce on this valuable scholarship opportunity,” said Chris Blanchette, Advance’s vice president, strategic store operations and chairman of TechForce’s board of directors. “I started my professional career as an automotive technician, and am incredibly thankful that TechForce, Advance and great partners like WD-40 Brand share a passion for attracting, educating and retaining men and women in the rewarding careers available in the automotive industry. Together, we look forward to solving for a critical need while launching the careers of aspiring technicians across the U.S.”

As part of this partnership, from Dec 30. 2021 through Feb. 16, 2022, Advance will be offering WD-40® Multi-Use Product at a discounted price.

About WD-40 Company

WD-40 Company is a global marketing organization dedicated to creating positive lasting memories by developing and selling products that solve problems in workshops, factories and homes around the world. The Company markets a wide range of maintenance products and homecare and cleaning products under the following well-known brands: WD-40®, 3-IN-ONE®, GT85®, X-14®, 2000 Flushes®, Carpet Fresh®, no vac®, Spot Shot®, 1001®, Lava® and Solvol®.

About Advance Auto Parts

Advance Auto Parts, Inc. is a leading automotive aftermarket parts provider that serves both professional installer and do-it-yourself customers. As of October 9, 2021, Advance operated 4,727 stores and 234 Worldpac branches in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The company also serves 1,325 independently owned Carquest branded stores across these locations in addition to Mexico and various Caribbean islands. Additional information about Advance, including employment opportunities, customer services, and online shopping for parts, accessories and other offerings can be found at www.AdvanceAutoParts.com.

About TechForce Foundation

TechForce Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) with the mission to champion all students to and through their technical education and into careers as professional transportation technicians. The Foundation distributes more than $1.2 million in scholarships and grants annually, thanks to its generous corporate sponsors and donors, and spearheads an industry-wide workforce development initiative to help encourage and support more young people to pursue the vehicle technician profession. For more information, visit www.techforce.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Linkedin.

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Under The Hood | December 2021

TOPICS IN UNDER THE HOOD FOR DECEMBER 2021:

Techs Rock Awards 2021 Grand Prize Winner | Bogi Women Shifting Gears by Hemmings | Women Techs Rock | Donate Your Car | Brienne Davis Memorial Scholarship | Throdle Partners With TechForce | Chasing Classic Cars’ Wayne Carini

 

TRA 2021_Grand Prize Winner_Donald Ranquist@3x-1

Announcing the Grand Prize Winner of TechForce’s 2021 Techs Rock Awards

The 2021 Techs Rock Grand Prize Winner is Donald Ranquist of South Jordan, UT! Donald is an automotive technician with CarMax, and was also named as the Awards’ 2021 Pay it Forward Category Winner. Donald will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to STX 2022 in Orlando, FL, as well as prizes valued at over $6,500 from TechForce partners. Learn about the 2021 Techs Rock Award winners here>>

 

 

 

 

 

TODAY – Live online interview with Bogi

shifting_gears_virtual_lap12_lateiner_1600x900Join TechForce celebrity ambassador Bogi today, Dec 7th at 7 PM ET/ 4 PM PT for an exclusive live online interview on the Women Shifting Gears podcast, Driven by Hemmings. Reserve your spot now>>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tell us about women techs you know who rock

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TechForce is seeking women technicians to highlight in our #WomenTechsRock interview series (check it out here) and we need your help. If you know a woman who’s story should be shared, let us know. You might even see their interview in our next newsletter! Refer a woman tech who rocks>>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Donate your vehicle to support students – it’s tax-deductible!

Five Fixers Technicians-155Make a year-end donation by gifting your car, RV or boat to TechForce Foundation. Support students in their education and careers as professional transportation techs. Your tax-deductible donation will fund our work to inspire, connect and support the next generation of techs. Learn more and donate your vehicle today>>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fall 2021 Brienne Davis Memorial Scholarship Awardee

Nushrat Ahmed_1127029 (2)Congratulations to NASCAR Technical Institute student Nushrat Ahmed on receiving the Brienne Davis Memorial Scholarship! The Award will help Nushrat cover the cost of her technician training and jump-start her career. Join the first social network built for current and future technicians to learn more about TechForce Foundation scholarships>>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Throdle donates $100,000 in support of TechForce’s mission

throdle logoTechForce is excited to announce that Throdle has joined our industry-wide campaign to build the next generation of transportation technicians, with a $100,000 donation to support TechForce’s mission. Throdle is an app for car lovers to share their passion, discover cars, connect and drive their automotive experience further. View TechForce’s full list of supporters here>>

 

 

 

 

Something fun – Questions for Chasing Classic Cars’ Wayne Carini

Wayne Carini event poster_220106-1Enter a question for Chasing Classic Cars host Wayne Carini, and it might be asked on our Jan. 6th live stream with Wayne and Mecum Auctions! All questions should be about tech careers or Wayne’s 1951 Hirohata Mercury Custom Build. Submit your questions through “Contests” in TechForce’s social network>>

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Holidays from the TechForce Foundation team

2020-12_Happy Holidays_Happy Holidays graphic

Thank you for your support and engagement throughout this past year. TechForce Foundation wishes you and your family a happy and healthy holiday season. We can’t wait to see you in 2022!

 

 

 


Thank you to all TechForce Foundation partners!

TFF-ALL-Partners-Logo-Lockup-211123Associations: Automotive Communications Council, Automotive Maintenance & Repair Association (AMRA), American Rental Association (ARA), Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), Automotive Service Association (ASA), Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), ASE Education Foundation, ASE Training Managers Council (ATMC), Auto Care Association/Women in Auto Care, Center for Advanced Automotive Technology (CAAT), Center for Automotive Diversity, Inclusion & Advancement (CADIA), Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF), Coordinating Committee for Automotive Repair (CCAR), Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, Harbor Freight Tools for Schools, Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence, National Association of Automobile Clubs of Canada (NAACC), National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF), National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3), National Center for Autonomous Technology (NCAT), SkillsUSA, STEAM Sports Foundation and American Trucking Association’s Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC)

Celebrities: Charles Sanville (The Humble Mechanic), Lyn St. James (IndyCar), Bogi Lateiner (Girl Gang Garage), Steve Johnson (Steve Johnson Racing – NHRA) and Julia Landauer (Julia Landauer Racing – NASCAR)

For more news on TechForce Foundation, follow us on social media at the links below!

 

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RELEASE: Grand Prize Winner named in 2021 Techs Rock Awards

TechForce Foundation® Announces
2021 Techs Rock Awards
TM Grand Prize Winner

 

Donald Ranquist of CarMax selected for top honors
in 3
rd annual Awards honoring technicians

December 7, 2021 – SCOTTSDALE, AZ — TechForce Foundation® announces Donald Ranquist, an automotive technician at CarMax in South Jordan, Utah, as the 2021 Techs Rock Awards Grand Prize Winner. TechForce created this prestigious award to honor professional technicians who mentor and inspire the next generation of techs, bring excellence to their workplaces and communities, and demonstrate passion and commitment to the profession. Meet the Grand Prize and Category Winners at TechForce.org/Winners.

Ranquist was selected amongst the Awards’ five Category Winners, through an online people’s choice vote held November 29 – December 3, 2021. Over 5,500 ballots were cast in the vote. Ranquist was previously named as the Pay it Forward Category Winner, as selected by TechForce’s panel of industry judges including Bogi Lateiner, Bogi’s Garage; Charles Sanville, The Humble Mechanic; Emily Reeves, Flying Sparks Garage; Steve Ford, The Car Guy; and Julia Landauer, NASCAR Driver.

In addition to the more than $1,800 in prizes awarded to each Category Winner, Ranquist will also receive an all-expenses-paid trip to STX 2022 in Orlando, FL valued at $3,000, courtesy of Advance Auto Parts, and a Grand Prize package valued at over $5,000 from TechForce partners CRC Industries, Ford Motor Company, Snap-on Tools, Advance Auto Parts, Shell, WD-40 Company, and AutoZone.

When Donald Ranquist learned he was the 2021 Techs Rock Awards Grand Prize Winner he exclaimed, “I won?! That’s awesome! …I don’t usually brag about myself… This is really exciting. Thank you!”

Ranquist acknowledged his stiff competition in the vote, and went on to praise his fellow Category Winners, “I read through [their profiles] and they’re all amazing technicians and people. I was impressed by what they have overcome… If I could say anything to the other [Winners] it would be ‘heck of a job… you’re amazing.”

“TechForce Foundation is proud to recognize Donald Ranquist and CarMax with this Award,” says TechForce Foundation Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer Mike Pressendo. “The Techs Rock Awards were established to recognize the often overlooked yet outstanding contributions transportation technicians make in their communities day in and day out. Donald illustrates the positive impacts techs make. He sets a great example for others to follow.”

About Donald from his nomination: “Donald Ranquist makes it a priority to find ways he can positively impact those around him. From serving on the CarMax Cares committee to establishing his own non-profit to heal victims of bullying through Motorsports, Donald shows those new to the industry what can be achieved as a technician. In his own words, ‘As an automotive technician I’ve developed skills that can help many people… I try and offer assistance in any way I can.’”

The 2021 Category Winners each represent a distinct category. Awardees include:

  • Outstanding Mentor – David May, Karl Tyler Chevrolet in Missoula, MT
  • Rookie of the Year – Drew Harless, Berglund Ford in Salem, VA
  • Die Hard – Jess Anderson, Kolar Chevrolet in Hermantown, MN
  • Barrier Buster – Gabriel Gaumer, MHC Kenworth in Topeka, KS
  • Pay it Forward – (Grand Prize Winner) Donald Ranquist, CarMax in South Jordan, UT

The Techs Rock Awards are part of TechForce Foundation’s workforce development initiative to help inspire and support tomorrow’s workforce of technicians. TechForce has also created the first and only social network designed and gamified for professional technicians and tech students to connect with each other, employers and schools (JoinTechForce.org). The transportation community is supporting it with content and using it to learn, connect, find events, and explore job opportunities while competing for prizes and leaderboard status.

About TechForce Foundation

TechForce Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) with the mission to champion all students to and through their technical education and into careers as professional transportation technicians. The Foundation distributes more than $1.5 million in scholarships and grants annually, thanks to its generous corporate sponsors and donors, and spearheads an industry-wide workforce development initiative to help encourage and support more young people to pursue the vehicle technician profession. For more information, visit www.techforce.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Linkedin.

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"By connecting students, instructors, industry pros and working techs, the TechForce Foundation provides unilateral support to the transportation industry’s technician recruiting needs… The administration of our Scholarships by the TechForce team has been instrumental in delivering us with a successful method to gain interest from qualified candidates as well as provide our students with additional assistance to complete their education."
Tony Farr
Ford Technical Programs Manager