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Meet Luke, TechForce scholarship recipient & future Aviation maintenance technician

Meet Luke, TechForce scholarship recipient & future Aviation maintenance technician

Luke was initially exposed to the possibility of a career in aviation via a field trip with his school. He says, “We took a field trip to a small local airport to find out more about its operations and possible vocational opportunities that lie within that type of business. I once again found myself interested in aircraft and how they are maintained and operated. It all seemed very exciting!”

He is very excited about his aviation maintenance program, and is particularly enthusiastic about the opportunity he will have to work on aircraft at the National Aviation Academy aircraft hangar.

Regarding his ultimate career goals, Luke says, “I would like to travel around the world and work on aircraft for an aviation company.”

From the Gridiron to the Hanger

Luke says that being a high school football captain helped him learn to be a leader. He was a co-captain on his freshman team, and there was significant conflict among the players.

“To say I had my work cut out for me was an understatement. Before we even had our first game there were constant arguments and disagreements. The coaches spoke to the co-captains and said you must lead by example.”

Luke was able to implement this suggestion, “I remembered what the coaches had told me about leading by example and I began working hard along with the other players and we came together as a team. We were the first freshman team in many years that had an undefeated season!”

Luke’s Scholarship

Luke’s education has been financially stressful on his family, because he has 3 siblings, all of whom are also in college right now. Additionally, his family experienced periods of decreased income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Luke is incredibly grateful for the tuition support provided by the Accelerate Tuition Scholarship Award, which will help him cover the cost of school and start his career on solid footing.

About TechForce Scholarships

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 $1.5 million in scholarships and grants annually, with more than 40,000 students supported since 2007.

Learn more and apply for TechForce scholarships and grants at TechForce.org/Scholarships

Happy Holidays from the TechForce team!

Happy Holidays from TechForce Foundation!

Thank you for your support this past year! We could not have achieved all we did for technicians and technician students without you, and we achieved quite a bit. 

2022 saw the launch of the TechForce App, making it even easier to join the only career platform dedicated to the technician workforce. We also continued TechForce’s Diversity & Inclusion efforts, including our weekly Women Techs Rock interview series.

TechForce also celebrated the 4th annual FutureTechs Rock and Techs Rock Awards, launched our Mobile STEM Career Center, welcomed exciting new partners in our workforce development campaign, and continued to award over $1.5 million in scholarships and grants to students with financial need. TechForce has now helped over 40,000 future technicians pay for their technical education since our founding!

>We’re also getting closer to our goal of raising $750,000 to promote the skilled trades and even more scholarships, take students to premier industry events and support our community of students, techs and instructors. Donate today and help make this happen.

TechForce Foundation wishes you and your family a happy & healthy holiday season and a wonderful New Year. We can’t wait to see you virtually in TechForce and live at our STEM Career Center in 2023!

Happy Holidays,

The TechForce Foundation Team
Driving Tomorrow’s Workforce of Technicians™

TechForce Releases 2022 Technician Supply & Demand Report

TechForce Report Highlights Extended Decline In Supply of New Technicians

Supply of incoming automotive techs from post-secondary programs dropped 11.8% last year, according to 2022 Transportation Technician Supply & Demand Report

November 1, 2022 – LAS VEGAS – The supply of new entrant technicians from automotive post-secondary education programs in the U.S. dropped 11.8%, to 28,866, in 2021, widening current and projected shortfalls of professionals needed to service the nation’s automotive fleet, according to TechForce Foundation’s 2022 Transportation Technician Supply & Demand Report. The supply of program graduates (completions) slipped 2.6% and 0.4%, respectively, in the diesel and collision repair segments but has fallen by a combined 17% over the past five years.

The worsening technician supply picture – with combined completions dropping from 48,208 in 2020 to 44,052 in 2021, overshadows a strong year-over-year rebound in technician employment in the automotive (+4.2%) and diesel (+6.5%) repair segments. Total employment of collision repair technicians dropped 0.7% percent, however, continuing a six-year decline.

TechForce estimates demand for new entrant automotive/diesel/collision repair technicians – for new positions, replacements for occupational separations and unfilled positions from prior years – will reach 232,000 in 2022 and total well over 900,000 through 2026.

For the first time, the annual report also includes labor data for the U.S. aviation industry, which currently employs more than 150,000 technicians who maintain and repair aviation and avionics equipment and systems. TechForce projects nearly 78,000 new entrant technicians will be needed to fill these roles between 2022 and 2026.

“This year’s report underscores not only the challenges we face in attracting, training and retaining technicians but also the boundless opportunities for talented young people to build successful, rewarding careers in one of the world’s most dynamic and technology-intensive industries,” said TechForce Foundation CEO Jennifer Maher. “The solution to this crisis lies in industry, nonprofit, education and government partners working together to build awareness, curiosity and interest in these careers among our youth.”

TechForce helps lead this industry-wide effort by inspiring people to explore the technician profession; supporting students in obtaining the technical education needed to be workforce-ready; and connecting techs to resources, mentors and employers to thrive in their careers. The Foundation has awarded more than $17 million in scholarships and grants and engaged and impacted more than 40,000 students.

Click here to download the 2022 Technician Supply & Demand Report, and click here to download related artwork.

About TechForce Foundation
TechForce Foundation is a 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 $1.5 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, social network of students, working technicians, instructors, employers, industry professionals and enthusiasts committed to championing the technician workforce is the conduit through which the charity delivers its free resources, programs and career hub for the benefit of aspiring technicians. For more information, visit techforce.org. Follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin, and YouTube.

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Women Techs Rock Grantee Jinelee Achieving Technician Career Dreams

This post was originally published October 24, 2022. The following is new information added April 25, 2023.

From 0-60: Jinelee is Reaching New Heights

Jinelee’s journey to becoming a tech started in 2020 with a broken-down car on the side of the road.

How a broken-down truck got Jinelee going

As she sat stuck for three hours because of an overheated engine, Jinelee felt the dread of not knowing what to do without the money to fix it.

Days later Jinelee took matters into her own hands. Thanks to YouTube, Google and instruction from a local shop she was able to get her truck back on the road! It was in this experience that Jinelee found her calling.

“I felt so proud of myself, I felt accomplished… Never in my life would I have thought this was something I’d like. I had never tried it, but now I feel as if it is my calling.”

Where Jinelee is now, three years later

Jinelee recently graduated from her Mercedes-Benz technician training program (pictured right), and has sinced been hired by Mercedes-Benz!

From a novice just three years ago to a professional technician today, she’s amazed by how far she has come in such a short amount of time. The challenges throughout her journey didn’t stop her, and they show us what’s possible when people come together to give others a little help along with way. 

Jinelee received a number of TechForce scholarships and grants throughout her journey. That support helped make it possible for Jinelee to continue pursuing, and ultimately achieve her incredible accomplishments.

TechForce scholarship recipient Jinelee poses for a photo at the graduation ceremony for her Mercedes-Benz technician training.
Donate to support students like jinelee

The original post from October 24, 2022 is continued below.

Meet Jinelee, Women Techs Rock Grant Recipient

Women Techs Rock grant recipient Jinelee discovered her passion for a tech career during the pandemic, and is already well on her way to achieving her new dream of owning an all-women’s garage!
Watch our interview with Jinelee

How Jinelee got interested in a tech career

Jinelee Galindez examining an engine while studying for her tech career.
In the early part of the pandemic Jinelee experienced some medical problems that put her on unpaid leave. During that time, she says, “I just started working on my own truck, fixing and replacing parts. I began to spend my nights watching YouTube videos on random mechanic work, and found myself looking for things I could fix on my truck and what I could do to make it look and run better. Slowly, working on my truck dragged me out of an unhealthy place. Fixing my truck took me to another world where I felt like I was dancing and singing. Everything seemed so positive. Never in my life would have I thought this was something I would like. I had never tried it. But now I feel as if it is my calling… I have found a new skill that I love. Automotive!”
aPPLY FOR tECHfORCE SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS

Early signs a tech career was the right fit

Looking back on her life, Jinelee admits there were signs that a technician career was in the cards for her.

“When I think about the things I used to do when I was little or even as an adult, it makes sense. I used to love fixing my bicycle and my friends’ bicycles, rollerblades and skateboards. I loved to put puzzles together and build random things out of anything I could find. As I got older, I still found myself doing similar things, such as building or putting together furniture. Using my hands to repair, build and just get my hands dirty has always been my thing and I NEVER realized it until I started working on my truck.”

Passion powers progress towards tech career

Jinelee says she is amazed how far she has come in such a short time, and she has big dreams for her future.

“I want my own car shop. A very girly shop. I want the equipment to be bright, fun colors, and I want it to have only women mechanics!”

Life's challenges inform Jinelee's perspective

Jinelee has overcome many very difficult personal challenges, but despite this, she says, “[My] focus [is] on people’s efforts. I like to make others feel positive, empowered, worthy, appreciated, and supported. I am one that can communicate encouragement to help people move forward but also hold them accountable in a loving way when tough love is needed. It’s important to inspire one another, challenge one another in reaching our full potential and celebrate each other for our successes.”

She is elated to have received the Women Techs Rock grant. Jinelee has worked incredibly hard to discover and be able to pursue her passion for a tech career. She is extremely grateful for this generous gift that will let her follow her passion, and hopefully inspire future women technicians!

If Jinelee’s story inspired you, we invite you to learn more about a technician career at https://techforce.org/our-work/#career-exploration

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TechForce Launches 4th Annual Techs Rock Awards

TechForce Foundation Now Accepting Nominations for its 4th Annual Techs Rock AwardsTM through Nov. 4

Five transportation technicians to be recognized for outstanding contributions as role models in their shops and communities

 

October 20, 2022 – SCOTTSDALE, AZ — TechForce Foundation’s® annual Techs Rock Awards season has begun. 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. The Techs Rock Awards are accepting nominations through 5 PM PDT, November 4, 2022 at TechForce.org/TechsRock.

Since 2018 technicians have received more than $27,000 in prizes. Over $17,500 in prizes will be awarded in the 2022 Techs Rock Awards:

Each Category Winner, selected by a panel of industry experts, will receive prizes valued over $1,700 from TechForce partners including Ford Motor Company, AutoZone, CRC Industries, Snap-on Industrial, Advance Auto Parts, WD-40 Company and Cengage. 

The Grand Prize Winner, as chosen by popular vote, will receive additional prizes valued over $8,500 from Advance Auto Parts, CRC Industries, Ford Motor Company, Snap-on Industrial, WD-40 Company and AutoZone.

Technicians will be considered for one of five categories including Pay it Forward, Rookie of the Year, Die Hard Tech, Outstanding Mentor and Barrier Buster. A panel of celebrity judges will select one Category Winner from each of the five categories. The Grand Prize Winner will be selected from the slate of Category Winners via a People’s Choice Public Vote, to be held November 28 – December 2, 2022.

2022 Techs Rock Award judges include Emily Reeves, Flying Sparks Garage; Charles Sanville, The Humble Mechanic; Bogi Lateiner, Bogi’s Garage; Pete Meier, Motor Age Magazine; and Julia Landauer, Julia Landauer Racing.

2021 Grand Prize Winner and Carmax technician Donald Ranquist recently reflected on what winning has meant for him, “I don’t usually brag about myself… This is really exciting. Thank you! Getting a trip to [the 2022 STX Supplier & Training Expo in Orlando] is a huge opportunity… The training that comes with it, being able to take that back to my team… and the different tools and items… have helped [me] get [my] jobs done.”

TechForce Foundation will be releasing a 2022 update to its Technician Supply & Demand Report at the 2022 AAPEX show addressing the ongoing technician shortage. Recognition programs like the Techs Rock Awards help address that shortage. These programs are vital not only to retaining technicians but to repositioning the public’s perception of technician jobs as the high-tech, rewarding, new-collar careers that they are.

The Techs Rock Awards are part of TechForce’s workforce development campaign to inspire and support tomorrow’s workforce of technicians. TechForce 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 (TechForce.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 education and into careers as professional technicians. TechForce powers the technician workforce by awarding more than $1.5 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, social network of students, working technicians, instructors, employers, industry professionals and enthusiasts committed to championing the technician workforce is the conduit through which the charity delivers its free resources, programs and career hub for the benefit of aspiring technicians. For more information, visit TechForce.org. Follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin and YouTube.

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Under The Hood Newsletter | September 2022

Under the Hood: TechForce is now an app!
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The official newsletter of TECHFORCE FOUNDATION®

September 2022

TechForce engagement opportunities this month

TF_Champion Badge_185x185Nominations for the 2022 Techs Rock Awards open Monday, October 24. Learn how you can recognize your technicians and help make the Awards a success in our campaign overview. Note some dates have changed. Support the Techs Rock Awards by sharing the nomination link with your audience – customers and employees alike – on social media, your website, in email and more. Don’t miss this opportunity to show off your techs and earn bragging rights for your business!

Read and share TechForce’s new special report Women Techs: Solving the Tech Shortage. Please continue to help promote the career resources available on TechForce, as well as our Women Techs Rock video series. If you know a woman technician we should interview in the series let us know! If you don’t already, follow TechForce on social media. 

SCHOLARSHIPS – Apply now!

Back to school doesn’t have to mean back in debt. TechForce scholarships and grants cover educational expenses including tuition, tools, books, transportation and even emergencies! Visit TechForce.org/Scholarships to discover scholarships from around the industry, on top of the opportunities below:

TF_Badge_Registered_FullColor_75x75Opportunity: TechForce Accelerate Tuition Scholarships
Deadline: Sep 30, 2022 | Award range: $1,000–$2,000
Learn more and apply>>

TF_Badge_Registered_FullColor_75x75Opportunity: Life Happens Emergency Grants
Deadline: Sep 26, 2022 | Award range: $400–$1,200
Learn more and apply>>

TF_Badge_Registered_FullColor_75x75Opportunity: Ford Training Scholarships
Deadline: Sep 30, 2022 | Award range: Varies by Award
Learn more and apply>>

TECHFORCE NEWS

Download the new TechForce app today

TechForce App logoTechForce career network is now available in our brand new mobile app! Turbocharge your technician career with scholarships, trivia and jobs. Be one of the first to download the TechForce app in the Google Play and App Store today.

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Techs Rock Awards nominations open 10/24!

Nominations for TechForce’s 2022 Techs Rock Awards open October 24! The Techs Rock awards are a truly unique and amazing opportunity to publicly recognize the hardworking transportation techs who keep your business – and many of your customers – running smoothly. Learn more about TechForce’s Awards and get ready to nominate technicians who rock next month.

Happening Now: Win up to $750 in our Leaderboard Challenge!

Leaderboard Challenge-1

Earn points in TechForce through October 31st to climb the Leaderboard. The school, instructor and student who earn the most points by 10/31 will each win $250 to Harbor Freight. The first and second place students will also get a bonus $500 and $250 Visa gift card courtesy of TechForce superfan Steve DeMarzio! Join TechForce to start earning points

TechForce scholarship recipient & future aviation tech Abraham 

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TechForce scholarship recipient Abraham is studying to become an aviation technician. “From the moment I was exposed to aviation, I knew it was my calling in this life.” Abraham is already working alongside aviation technicians in a non-technical job with United Airlines, and can’t wait until he can join the technician team. Read Abraham’s story and learn more about TechForce scholarships.

Ways to help: Support scholarships with your old clunker

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Put your unwanted vehicle to good use! Your vehicle donation will fund the technical education and jump-start the careers of young, future technicians like Abraham. We accept cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, boats and more. Learn how to make your tax-deductible vehicle donation today. From donations to volunteering, find all the ways you can support tech students with TechForce.

Fiat training specialist Katie French is proof Women Techs Rock!

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TechForce interviewed Katie French in our #WomenTechsRock series, part of TechForce’s commitment to help diversify the workforce. At just 29 Katie is already a nationally recognized automotive expert and instructor. If you know another inspiring woman tech we should interview, tell us at TechForce.org/WomenTechStories

Mecum Auctions & TechForce host students in Dallas for VIP event

Mecum Dallas_Students on auction floor-2TechForce and Mecum Auctions hosted 125 students in Dallas for a behind-the-scenes look at technician careers in classic cars. TechForce CEO Jennifer Maher spoke to MotorTrend TV live from the event about the impact the free VIP experience has on students’ lives. Join TechForce for free to get your tickets to upcoming student experiences, events and more at TechForce.org

#ICYMI TechForce and Shop Owner talk technician shortage

Talking Shop with Shop Owner Podcast promo imageAre you struggling to place technicians in your shop? TechForce has resources that you can use to do something about the technician shortage. Learn how we’ve worked with the industry to help shops like yours in the most recent episode of the Talking Shop with Shop Owner podcast.

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

 

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

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For TechForce news, follow us on social media.

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Abraham pursues aviation tech training with TechForce scholarship​

Abraham pursues aviation tech training with TechForce scholarship

Aviation student Abraham receives TechForce scholarship

Abraham has always known that a career in aviation was right for him

“From the moment I was exposed to aviation, I knew it was my calling in this life. I’ve lived close to the airport my entire life and seeing the planes pass above me was always interesting to me. The airline industry is one of those puzzle pieces in my life that I’ve always wanted to fill. Being drawn to how things work and providing an extremely important service to this society is what being a maintenance technician is all about to me.” 

TechForce scholarship allows students to focus on school

Given his future educational goals and their associated costs, Abraham is extremely grateful for the funding given to him via the MIAT Scholarship Education Support grant. He is passionate about the aviation industry, and cannot wait to continue to grow his knowledge and experience in this field.

What's next for Abraham

He is enthusiastic about his current program at MIAT, and he anticipates graduating in October 2022. He is currently working a non-technical job on the ramp at United. He enjoys working closely with the technicians, and is grateful for opportunities to be exposed to their work in aircraft maintenance.

Abraham states, “This is just the beginning for me and I plan on continuously growing within my dream of being in aviation maintenance.”

Learn more about how TechForce can help you cover the cost of your technical education at TechForce.org/Scholarships

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Mecum, TechForce, Dallas ISD provide student experience designed to spark interest in transportation tech careers

***MEDIA ALERT***

Mecum Auctions and TechForce Foundation Team Up with Dallas ISD to Provide Autotech Students Experience Designed to Spark Interest in Transportation Tech Careers

Students get revved up for futures working on muscle cars, Hot Rods and customs as auctioned at Mecum Dallas 2022 at Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center

Add Your Heading Text Here

WHO:

200 autotech students from four Dallas Independent School District high schools

WHEN:

Thursday, Sept. 8 and Friday, Sept. 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. CT

WHERE:

Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, 650 S. Griffin St., Dallas, TX 75202

WHAT:

The autotech students, part of the Career and Technical Education programs, will begin this school year visiting Mecum Dallas 2022, taking place at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Dallas Convention Center this Sept. 7-10 featuring an estimated 1,500 American muscle cars, classics, Corvettes, trucks, exotics, Hot Rods, customs and more to cross the auction block.

Mecum Auctions, the world’s largest collector car auction company and TechForce Foundation, a national nonprofit dedicated to workforce development for technician careers, have teamed with the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) to provide CTE students a tour of the auction venue and display of the consigned vehicles. Representatives of Mecum Auctions and TechForce will welcome the students and teachers. 

TechForce coordinates events to provide students the opportunity to explore rewarding and high-tech careers such as transportation technicians. The national shortage of trained techs is critical with five open jobs for every tech school graduate. Mecum Auctions partners with TechForce on student experiences at other auction venues, also. Someday, these aspiring techs will build and tune these rolling works of art that are the result of their passion for craftsmanship, hands-on skills and technology.

About TechForce:

TechForce Foundation is a 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 $1.5 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, social network of students, working technicians, instructors, employers, industry professionals and enthusiasts committed to championing the technician workforce is the conduit through which the charity delivers its free resources, programs and career hub for the benefit of aspiring technicians. For more information, visit www.techforce.org.

Follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Linkedin.

About Mecum:

The Mecum Auction Company is the world leader of collector car, vintage and antique motorcycle, and Road Art sales, hosting auctions throughout the United States. The company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars for more than 30 years, now offering more than 20,000 lots per year and averaging more than one auction each month. Mecum Auctions is headquartered in Walworth, Wisconsin, and since 2011 has been ranked No. 1 in the world with number of collector cars offered at auction, No. 1 in the world with number of collector cars sold at auction, No. 1 in the U.S. with number of auction venues, No. 1 in the U.S. in total dollar volume of sales, and is host to the world’s largest collector car auction held annually in Kissimmee, Florida, as well as the world’s largest motorcycle auction held annually in Las Vegas.

Under the Hood Newsletter | August 2022

Under The Hood | Newsletter | TechForce
The official newsletter of TECHFORCE FOUNDATION®

August 2022

Because I'm a Tech - Turbocharge your future!

TechForce's Because I'm a Tech campaign is happening now! Hear technicians' stories and the personal and professional accomplishments they've achieved thanks to being a tech. We also invite anyone interested in a technician career to turbocharge their future with TechForce by visiting TechForce.org/Tech

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EVENTS

Don't miss out on free events in TechForce! Join our social network for tickets to behind-the-scenes VIP experiences, races, car shows and more. Get started>>

AAPEX Student Sponsorship Program

Attend AAPEX in Las Vegas for free this fall

Students can attend AAPEX 2022 in Las Vegas, NV through the event's Student Sponsorship Program. The program covers the cost of attendance and travel to one of the aftermarket industry's biggest events of the year. The application deadline is August 31. Apply for a chance to attend AAPEX for free.

TECHFORCE NEWS

I'Rule wins first Humble Mechanic scholarship

TechForce worked with The Humble Mechanic to establish two scholarships in his name. This past weekend The Humble Mechanic met I'Rule, the first recipient of the scholarship. As it turns out, not only are they from the same area, but I'Rule works at the same dealership that The Humble Mechanic used to! Keep an eye out for our interviews with these guys, and learn more about TechForce scholarships>>

Charles meets IRule
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From self-doubt to jet engines: Maria Vianco rocks!

We interviewed Maria for our #WomenTechsRock series, part of TechForce's commitment to help diversify the workforce. We can relate to Maria's struggles with self-doubt, and were inspired by how she overcame it to pursue her passion! If you know another inspiring woman tech we should interview, let us know at TechForce.org/WomenTechStories

Ford scholarships are now open to more students than ever

Students in Ford training programs across the US are encouraged to apply for TechForce scholarships. New guidelines mean more Ford students are eligible to receive an award than ever before. Even if you have been turned down in the past, it is worth the few minutes it takes to apply. Just take it from Ford tech and TechForce scholarship recipient Tandon Brown!

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Scholarships awarded to two women with a passion for NASCAR

Kiree Gonzales_1143853-2

TechForce has awarded the Brienne Davis Memorial Scholarship to Kiree (left) and Savannah (right), two students studying to pursue careers as NASCAR technicians. The scholarship is awarded annually in memory of NASCAR official Brienne Davis.

Read Kiree's and Savannah's full stories then find a scholarship of your own on TechForce.org

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Climb the TechForce leaderboard to win big with Harbor Freight

Harbor Freight and TechForce have teamed up to bring you a new Leaderboard Challenge in the TechForce network. From September 1 to November 1 the top student, instructor, and school that earn the most points in the TechForce network will receive Harbor Freight gift cards! Can you make it to the top of the leaderboard? Join TechForce now to start earning points on September 1. 

Network on a phone
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Donate to help students start the school year strong

As students head back to school some are on less stable footing than others. TechForce scholarships and grants help students overcome unexpected expenses that might otherwise derail their education. Donate to help a tech student stay in school today.

TechForce students attend Formula Drift event

Students in TechForce's social network were treated to a student experience at the Formula Drift event in Monroe, WA. Students attended the race, got behind-the-scenes tours and even had Q&As with racing professionals. A big thank you to our partner Throdle and Acceler8 Automotive Program for making the event possible! Find your own event tickets in TechForce>>

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

 

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

TFF-ALL-Partners-Logo-Lockup-DIGITAL-220824
TechForce celebrity ambassador logos_220727

 

For TechForce news, follow us on social media.

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Meet the Brienne Davis Memorial Scholarship recipients, two future NASCAR technicians

Meet the Fall 2022 Recipients of the Brienne Davis Memorial Scholarship

TechForce Foundation has awarded the Brienne Davis Memorial Scholarship to Kiree and Savannah, two students studying to pursue careers as NASCAR technicians. The scholarship is awarded annually in memory of NASCAR official Brienne Davis.

TechForce had an opportunity to speak with both women, and learn more about their interest in automotive and motorsports, and their plans for a career in NASCAR.

Kiree is breaking barriers as a NASCAR student

Kiree says, “Growing up I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to be until high school. I always wanted to be challenged and the automotive field allows me to learn something new every day. I am willing to put everything into learning more about every car field, especially NASCAR.”

Kiree Gonzales at her high school graduation

She recognizes that as a woman, she will be a minority in the automotive field, and even more so in NASCAR. She says, “The automotive industry also lacks females and I believe that women have a big part in this world, but are hardly ever seen.”  She has experienced the difficulty of being a woman in the automotive field firsthand, as an employee of an automotive shop. She says, “It wasn’t the best because I was pushed and I was misjudged. Not many people were willing to let me do much because I am female. However, most of the time I would hide in the background, and as soon as they left I would work on my car and they would not suspect anything once they received it.” Kiree did eventually leave this place of employment, partially because she felt she was underestimated due to her gender. However, this has definitely not dissuaded her from trying to pursue an automotive career!

As a future female technician, Kiree was ecstatic to receive the NASCAR/Brienne Davis Memorial Tuition Scholarship. Kiree shares, “I would love to inspire other women and little girls to do whatever they want and let them know that anything is possible.” 

The scholarship will make it possible for Kiree to finish her education, and then start her career as both a technician and a mentor to young women interested in the field.

Savannah has a passion for motorsports

Savannah Seely looking over the top of race car.

Savannah says, “My passion is Automotive Engineering, specifically a NASCAR career. I’ve chosen this as my dream career for many reasons… the work we put into the race car so it can travel at high speeds bring happiness and the feeling of accomplishment that I have never gotten from anything else…. It is a science to work on these cars. The more I work on them, the more I learn and understand. I love getting into the grit of things, figuring out the problem, and working with my body to achieve what the project needs… [and] I love a challenge! I am passionate about the career I chose to pursue, as it is what I love.”

Savannah continues, “I am specifically interested in NASCAR because it is a very important part of my life. I grew up with it, would watch it with my dad, and I help work on his race car with him two times a week and we race on Saturdays. When we race, I am a part of my dad’s pit-crew. I change tires, and adjust camber, tow, wedge, temperature and pressure of tires after a practice or race. I thoroughly enjoy this work.  Adjusting the cars’ travel so that we can turn left for an hour. There are so many things that go into building a race car and every part of it makes me feel like I can do anything. I want to be able to race my own car one day, that is my goal. Yes, NASCAR is turning left for hours on end. That’s what the world sees. Unless you are a part of it, you wouldn’t understand the mechanics that go into it. Knowing everything the car needs. When things go wrong, knowing what to do. I love the technical pieces, the speed, the adrenaline rush and the emotions it makes me feel when I am out there working on the car. To say I love NASCAR is an understatement.”

Savannah is obviously passionate about NASCAR, and she is so thankful to be a recipient of the NASCAR/Brienne Davis Memorial Tutorial Scholarship. She is beyond grateful that the scholarship will enable her to continue to pursue her life’s passion!

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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