Bill Neale Automotive Fine Art Award for High School Students Call for Entries to Launch at Mecum Dallas 2023

Bill Neale Automotive Fine Art Award for High School Students Call for Entries to Launch at Mecum Dallas 2023

– Award Honors World-Renowned Dallas-based artist who passed away in 2021

– Open to U.S. high school students grades 9-12

– Benefits youth pursuing technical transportation careers by supporting TechForce Foundation

Dallas, TX – (September 19, 2023) – The Carroll Shelby Foundation, Mecum Auctions, Terlingua Racing Team and Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) are pleased to announce the upcoming launch of the Bill Neale Automotive Fine Art Award for High School Students. The award honors world-renowned automotive artist Bill Neale by recognizing and encouraging excellence in automotive fine art among high school students. The Dallas-based artist passed away in 2021 at the age of 95.

EVENT DETAILS

  • WHAT: Bill Neale Automotive Fine Art Award for High School Students Call For Entries
  • WHEN: September 21, 2023, at 10 AM. Media is encouraged to arrive by 9:45 AM as the announcement will take place promptly at 10 AM at the end of the Road Art auction and prior to the vehicle auction.
  • WHERE: Mecum Dallas 2023, Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Dallas
  • INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

     

    • Teia Collier – TAWA President (Award Host and Sponsor)
    • Dave Magers – Mecum Auctions CEO (Award Sponsor)
    • Jennifer Maher – TechForce Foundation CEO (Award Beneficiary)
    • Leslie Neale – Bill Neale’s daughter/Terlingua Racing Team (Award Sponsor)
    • Aaron Shelby – Carroll Shelby Foundation (Award Sponsor)
  • VISUALS:
    • Award and Call for Entries Announcement on the Mecum auction block
    • Bill Neale artwork on Display
    • TechForce Foundation Students in attendance from Dallas-area high schools

The Bill Neale Automotive Fine Art Automotive Art Award for High School Students would not be possible without the generous support of the following sponsors: The Carroll Shelby Foundation, Mecum Auctions, Terlingua Racing Team and the Texas Auto Writers Association.

About the Texas Auto Writers Association
Founded in 1987, the Texas Auto Writers Association has grown to become one of the most recognized and reputable automotive press organizations in the industry. TAWA’s mission is to promote quality and accuracy in automotive journalism and to disseminate information about the automotive industry through news-related print, online and broadcast media. In addition to promoting journalism opportunities and professionalism internally, TAWA funds scholarships to journalism students.

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 $2.3 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 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 TikTokFacebook, Instagram, TwitterLinkedin and YouTube.

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BASF Launches Techs for Tomorrow Scholarship with TechForce Foundation

BASF launches Techs for Tomorrow Scholarship & Industry Experience at SEMA with TechForce Foundation

August 29, 2023  SOUTHFIELD, MI — Five lucky winners will get the experience of a lifetime at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, thanks to a program that encourages up-and-coming talent.  Working in partnership with TechForce Foundation, BASF is now soliciting nominations for its “Techs for Tomorrow.”

“One of the biggest challenges facing the collision repair industry in the next few years is a labor crunch. We need to find talented people to fill the pipeline as jobs open up,” said Joel Johnson, BASF’s vice president of Refinish Coatings. “’Techs for Tomorrow’ is our way to get the next generation excited about the refinish industry, with its opportunities for high-paying, stable careers as painters and body shop technicians.”

“Techs for Tomorrow” is part of BASF’s “Talent for Tomorrow” program that includes scholarships, mentoring, apprenticeships, paint program support for technical schools and initiatives such as Operative Talent focused on attracting talent. “By supporting these students and their technical education, we’re working to make our industry’s workforce sustainable,” said Johnson.

“Techs for Tomorrow” winners will get the chance to walk the floor at the (industry-only, non-public) SEMA show, network with a BASF Refinish team member as well as custom vehicle builders to meet and engage with industry experts. The award also includes a $2,500 scholarship to continue their education in the collision repair industry. Five finalists will get a $500 scholarship.

“TechForce Foundation is excited to expand our partnership with BASF to offer the ‘Techs for Tomorrow’ program,” says TechForce CEO Jennifer Maher. “By offering scholarships, mentorship, and exciting ways to engage with industry, we’re not just shaping careers – we’re nurturing students’ dreams, fostering innovation, and building a resilient workforce that will drive the entire mobility industry forward.”

Nominees must be 18 years or older, enrolled in an accredited collision training program, able to travel to Las Vegas during the SEMA show, and must submit their application through TechForce Foundation.

For more information or apply, visit https://cloud.coatings-marketing.basf.com/techsfortomorrow

About BASF Automotive Refinish
BASF’s Automotive Refinish business manufactures and markets coatings for the collision repair, commercial fleet and automotive specialty markets. Its paint products are supported by technical training programs, advanced color information systems, business management and planning tools. For more information visit http://www.basfrefinish.com

About BASF
At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. More than 117,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €59 billion in 2019. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the U.S. Further information at www.basf.com.

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 $2.3 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 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 TikTokFacebook, Instagram, TwitterLinkedin and YouTube.

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“Small-town girl” Abby training to become heavy-duty diesel tech with help from a TechForce scholarship

TechForce scholarships are awarded year-round, and we’ll award more than $2.3 million to students in 2023. Apply for a TechForce scholarship today!

Small Town Girl Abby is One Step Closer to her Heavy-Duty Diesel Tech Career thanks to a TechForce Scholarship

by TechForce Staff

Meet Abby Redman, a TechForce scholarship recipient studying to become an heavy-duty diesel technician in the United States. We had an opportunity to hear from Abby, and find out how big trucks became her passion.

Scholarship recipient Abby Redman leans against a Peterbilt bobtail cab.

Being a Mechanic is in my Blood

Abby will proudly tell you she is a “small-town girl from Michigan.” 

“When I was younger, I could be found in one of two places: on the dairy farm or in my grandpa’s automotive shop,” says Abby. 

“Both livestock and mechanics are very big factors that have helped shape who I am today. One could say that mechanics runs in my blood.”

Abby continued, “My family is full of car mechanics and engineers as well as commercial truck drivers. I have chosen to take the heavy diesel route because I feel that while working on passenger vehicles is important, the work of heavy diesel mechanics can be seen as a dying field; not as many people do it because of the extensive workload and requirement for more physical exertion. In addition, the world of diesel is one of the parts of the backbone of the world.”

How Abby Decided to Become a Diesel Tech

Abby didn’t start off knowing a heavy-duty diesel technician career was for her. It was only after a combination of work and life experiences that she realized becoming a heavy-duty diesel technician career path for her.

“I have gained lots of work experience in many different fields. Growing up on a dairy farm I learned as much as I could about agriculture and running a farm. Later, I also started working at a local feed store, where my agriculture knowledge could shine and I could help others.”

“However, I wanted to start working a job that pertained more to my future career as a mechanic so I started working at a local car shop. I learned various skills while working at this job. I loved being a mechanic, but I realized I wanted to be able to combine my love for wrenching with my interest in agriculture.”

Mentoring Up & Mentoring Out

When the need arises, Abby easily falls into in the role of mentor. 

“I am naturally a mentor. I often help and assist others who simply need a push. I have mentored and trained so many people in my life who just needed help or some encouraging words. Every day I try to make a difference in someone else’s life by simply being the person that I needed when I was struggling on my own.” 

Abby is particularly passionate about mentoring girls and young women who are interested in technical careers. She says, “I encourage other girls to not let stereotypes hold them back and to follow their dreams. I want to be the girl others can look up to.”

About Abby's Scholarship

Abby has been awarded the Women Techs Rock scholarship. She is honored to be recognized as an aspiring female technician, and she is extremely thankful for the financial assistance this award provides her.

About TechForce Scholarships

A TechForce scholarship (or cash grant) is a financial award to aid students in paying for the cost of their technical education. It does not require repayment. TechForce scholarships are privately funded by our partners, meaning the funds come from corporate and individual donors – not the government. It’s expected our scholarships are added to any other financial support you receive.

TechForce Foundation will award over $2.3 Million in 2023 to students in transportation technician programs around the country. Eligible technician programs include automotive, aviation, collision repair, diesel on- & off-road, motorcycle, marine & watercraft, restoration, welding, CNC and more!

Find a scholarship and apply today at TechForce.org/Scholarships

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Austin’s technician dream is closer than ever thanks to TechForce scholarships

TechForce scholarship brings Austin's technician dreams closer than ever

by TechForce Staff

Meet Austin, a TechForce scholarship recipient studying to become an automotive technician in the United States.

Our staff had an opportunity to hear from Austin the role his parents, peers and mentors played in his decision to become a technician, and his plans for a career in the future of mobility.

Scholarship recipient Austin wears a grey hoodie with a sports car printed on the front.

Discovering a Passion for Automotive

Austin always had a knack for getting hands-on. “Growing up I always enjoyed doing things hands-on. Any sport I played I would pick up very quickly. When I got to high school, I found a group of friends that enjoyed cars like I did. I would always help them do work on cars, like modifying suspensions or just doing just basic oil changes. That is when I knew that this was the type of work I had been looking for.”

Developing Skills and Confidence to Apply Them

“[Once I got] my own car, I was always tinkering with things and looking for ways to… make it how I wanted it. I had even gotten to the point where my parents felt confident enough to let me do small things to their cars like changing the brake pads,” said Austin.

“It was such a great feeling to know that I could do something with the skills I learned… I also helped my girlfriend’s family with one of their cars. It had sat unused for several years and I wanted to bring it back to life… it was definitely a steep challenge. Eventually, I figured out what needed to be done. I put the car back together and it started perfectly.”

“It took a lot for me to overcome a task that I was unfamiliar with, but I stayed committed and in the end, I figured it out. I have been driving that car around for the past year and it’s a great car – the first project car I brought back to life!”

Mentors Helped Austin Pursue his Passion Professionally

Although Austin had a knack and a love for working under the hood, he didn’t initially consider it as a career. In fact, it was his parents who first suggested that Austin consider working professionally as a technician.

“After working at a few jobs in the restaurant industry, transportation, and tourism, my parents asked, ‘Why don’t you just become a mechanic?’ They could always see how excited I was to work on my car.”

Eventually, it was a mentor who also went to technical school that convinced Austin to do what he loves. “[A] neighbor of mine had previously gone to Technical School. He really enjoyed the program and he seems to be very successful. He basically told me that if this is really my passion, I need to go for it because he could tell that I will really enjoy this kind of work too. I decided to attend Technical School, and I can’t wait for the future to come!”

Mentors Helped Austin Pursue his Passion Professionally

Austin is excited to have received a TechForce Foundation Tuition Scholarship, and he’s thrilled to be beginning an advanced training program. Technician training is an expensive undertaking, and Austin is grateful to have received the financial assistance will make it easier to achieve his goals!

As for his plans after school? “Once I finish school I can progress, get my ASE certifications and become a journeyman technician.”

About TechForce Scholarships

A TechForce scholarship (or cash grant) is a financial award to aid students in paying for the cost of their technical education. It does not require repayment. TechForce scholarships are privately funded by our partners, meaning the funds come from corporate and individual donors – not the government. It’s expected our scholarships are added to any other financial support you receive.

TechForce Foundation will award over $2.3 Million in 2023 to students in transportation technician programs around the country. Eligible technician programs include automotive, aviation, collision repair, diesel on- & off-road, motorcycle, marine & watercraft, restoration, welding, CNC and more!

Find a scholarship and apply today at TechForce.org/Scholarships

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Gideon Pursues American Dream with TechForce Scholarship

Gideon's Passion for Automotive: Made Possible by Hard Work and Powered by a TechForce Foundation Scholarship

by TechForce Staff

Meet Gideon, a TechForce scholarship recipient originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who is now studying to become an automotive technician in the United States.

Our staff had an opportunity to hear from Gideon on how his family created the opportunity for him to pursue his education in the US, and his plans for a career in the future of mobility.

Portrait of Gideon smiling into the camera and wearing semi-formal clothes.

Developing a Passion for Automotive

Gideon’s determination to achieve his goals is clear. “My dream career is to become an automotive inventor. I want to start my own business one day and build future cars.”

However, he faced an all too relatable challenge early in his educational career. “I struggled to find something that I was passionate about as a kid. Now I found the automotive industry and it’s the number one motivation I have for my life.”

Thanks to his education in the United States Gideon was able to discover and pursue his passion for automotive. Without his family’s hard work and perseverance in moving to the US, Gideon says, he would not have had the same opportunities.

Failure is Not an Option

“Life was really hard, especially for my mother. In the Congo, everyone is expected to pay for school from kindergarten through college. Most people don’t have the money, so they either had to be taught at home or not at all, creating a cycle of poverty and lack of opportunity,” Gideon explained. “This is why we came to the US for better education and more opportunities.”

Adjusting to life in the US was of course a challenge, but as he puts it, “I do not consider failure an option.”

His hard work is paying off – Gideon is thriving! “I’ve taken 14 classes at UTI and managed to stay above a 3.5 GPA while working at Firestone to gain experience. I’ve learned so many things, like basic maintenance, suspension, alignments, electrical diagnostics, and more.”

TechForce Scholarships Create Space to Become "Best of the Best"

Gideon is thrilled and honored to have received TechForce Foundation’s Ford FACT Pedal to the Metal MSAT Tuition Scholarship. The scholarship is one of many funded by Ford Motor Company and awarded by TechForce throughout the year to help students cover the cost of their advanced Ford-specific technician training courses.

Gideon is looking forward to continuing to further his education, and can’t wait for his automotive career to officially begin.

In his own words, “For me, this is only the beginning of something big and I am really ambitious about it. After I graduate from UTI I will strive to be the best of the best. Then I will work my way up to start my own network for inventing unique transportation vehicles.”

About TechForce Scholarships

A TechForce scholarship (or cash grant) is a financial award to aid students in paying for the cost of their technical education. It does not require repayment. TechForce scholarships are privately funded by our partners, meaning the funds come from corporate and individual donors – not the government. It’s expected our scholarships are added to any other financial support you receive.

TechForce Foundation awards over $1.5 Million annually to students in transportation technician programs around the country. Eligible technician programs include automotive, aviation, collision repair, diesel on- & off-road, motorcycle, marine & watercraft, restoration, welding, CNC and more!

Find a scholarship and apply today at TechForce.org/Scholarships

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The 1st Humble Mechanic Scholarship

I'Rule Faison Receives 1st Scholarship From The Humble Mechanic

I’Rule says, “I am passionate about pursuing a technical education simply because I have always loved cars, solving problems and bringing things I think about into reality. My grandfather used to drag race cars and would tell me stories about all the cars he had beaten in his 1971 Ford Torino Cobra. Over time I got more interested in how cars worked. I ultimately decided I would get an automotive technical degree so that I could have the knowledge to fix cars to help people, or even to do amazing alterations to cars. I have a fascinating imagination when it comes to cars and I’ve always wanted the ability to turn my imagination into a reality. My dream career is to bring not only my own, but also other people’s imaginations to a reality when it comes to cars. I want to be able to turn a naturally aspirated engine/vehicle into a turbocharged engine/vehicle and change an economy vehicle into a racing car.”

I’Rule has enjoyed beginning to work on cars. He says, “The first oil change that I performed on my own car was a lot harder than I thought it would be. Though it was an older Honda Civic, I had never done an oil change before and had never touched a vehicle before. I wanted to save money by not going to a dealership but also gather my own experience as well. After I gathered the parts that I needed, I prepared my jack and two jack stands for a simple oil change. But I realized after I drained the oil from the oil pan, “What am I going to take the filter off with?” Thinking on my toes, I remembered that my mother had some channel lock pliers sitting in our laundry room. I ran in the house to get the channel lock pliers and tried to get a good grip on the oil filter. Unfortunately, the angle that I was grasping the filter made it hard to twist but I continued on for what seemed like hours slowly twisting the filter off until finally it came off. I was ecstatic as I replaced the old filter with a brand-new filter. After putting oil in my car, I felt so accomplished knowing that I performed my first oil change without any experience and lacking the proper tools.” 

He has continued working on cars, now in his place of employment. “After I moved to North Carolina to attend NASCAR Technical Institute, I immediately got a job at a Toyota dealership. I learned the ropes of doing oil changes and tire rotations. I also learned how to get settled in a bustling and loud work environment and get work done efficiently as well. I am currently working at an Infiniti dealership where I have learned mounting and balancing of tires, alignments, brake jobs, working on used cars for people to buy by determining the problems they had when they arrived and fixing them.”

Especially as a fan of the Humble Mechanic, I’Rule was excited to learn that he was awarded the Humble Mechanic Scholarship. He is so thankful for this financial assistance, so he can more fully focus on his education and future career goals.

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!

Apply for TechForce Scholarships

Pay for school with scholarships, not loans. TechForce scholarships & grants cover more than just tuition. Whether you need help with the cost of tools, books, transportation, or even emergencies, TechForce can help. Learn more at TechForce.org/Scholarships

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Student Spotlight: Alejandro pursues dream with Ford ASSET Accelerate Tuition Scholarship

Alejando Finds his Path to Success with a TechForce Scholarship

About TechForce scholarships

Alejandro received a Ford ASSET Accelerate Tuition Scholarship from TechForce Foundation. TechForce scholarships and grants help students pay for their technician training expenses. Learn how TechForce Foundation can help you cover the cost of tuition, tools, books, transportation and even emergencies at TechForce.org/Scholarships

A bright future as a technician

A photo of TechForce scholarships recipient Alejandro. Alejandro is wearing a blue technician work shirt, and is sitting on the hood of a red Mazda coupe.Alejandro is excited about becoming an automotive tech!

“I would like to tell you why the right path to success for me is being an automotive technician. Ever since I was a toddler I’ve always loved being around and working on cars. Throughout the years my passion for automobiles has grown even more profoundly. Before enrolling into a technical college and joining the Ford ASSET program, my skills, knowledge, and understanding of how a vehicle works were dismal.”

Trial and error

Although I haven’t had much experience with cars, that didn’t stop me from attempting to do my own oil change, and I quickly learned why choosing the right tool for the job is important. That’s why I decided to join the Ford ASSET program. To me, a technician is somebody who follows the specifications in shop manuals such as torquing the bolts to the right specification and not just ‘good and tight’. I want to learn the proper way to not only diagnose, but to be able to perform repairs that are up to the standards of a major automotive manufacturer.

After just two quarters in school I have greatly improved my confidence in working on a vehicle but also my knowledge and hand skills. I am dedicated to graduating from technical school and becoming a technician. I have seen what a well-trained technician can do on a race track, when it comes to safety and making sure that a car can consistently perform. There are no cutting corners!”

Driven by passion and purpose

Alejandro’s passion for automotive fills his free time. If he is not in school, he’s at work trying to get as many hours and experience as he can. Alejandro says, “My parents aren’t able to financially support me in my pursuit of a better career. I’ve paid out of my own pocket for tuition. I have been able to stay on top of my grades and maintain focus on my education.”

Alejandro's goals are closer with TechForce scholarships

Alejandro’s dream is to one day open up his own shop. He says, “I want to be able to run a business but also not just be a manager/owner that doesn’t know how to repair or diagnose a vehicle. Being a well-trained automotive technician would allow me to have the necessary skill set to work and to follow my dreams.”

Alejandro is paying for his own education and is only able to work 20 hours a week due to his school schedule. A Ford ASSET Accelerate Tuition Scholarship provides financial assistance so that Alejandro can continue his education and pursue his dream career in automotive.

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Announcing Penske Outstanding Student Award Winner

 


Congratulations Melesa Starks – Winner of the Roger Penske Outstanding Student Award

Melesa Starks standing in front of a blue wall, smiling. Melesa is wearing a blue polo shirt, glasses, and a name tag clipped to her collar. On the wall are three plaques recognizing Roger Penske.

Melesa is described by many as the “ideal candidate.” In addition to a perfect school record, her enthusiasm for the industry was evident to instructors in both her Automotive II and Volvo SAFE programs. Fellow students know Melesa is the one they can go to for advice and support, whether it be about a career move or a good chicken soup recipe.

Now a graduate, Melesa has been offered a job with Volvo, allowing for a new city and new adventures. Her beaming smile will also be seen as part of TechForce Foundation’s Women Techs Rock initiatives.

Committee judges were impressed by Melesa’s ability to be proactive and tenacious in all aspects of life: school opportunities, personal experiences, and community support needs. Her horse therapy work with Freedom Ride and involvement with the Alzheimer’s Association were additional reasons she was selected as winner.

The Penske Outstanding Student Award recognizes students dedicated to succeeding in the automotive/diesel service industry who have demonstrated the ability to assist other students to do the same.

Victor De Leon, Jr. and Dakota Ty Hendrick were chosen as runners-up.

 


 

 

Announcing Roger Penske Outstanding Student Award winner

 

Congratulations to Joel McCallister (representing UTI-Orlando) –  winner of the Roger Penske Outstanding Student Award!

 

“From my very first class at UTI, I have done my very best in all things. And for this reason, I have excelled,” writes Joel.  Joel is newly-graduated, having earned 19 Student of the Course awards during his Automotive & Diesel Technology II + Ford FACT program that began at UTI-Dallas/Fort Worth and culminated at UTI-Orlando.

 

Passionate about being a team player, Joel is respected by both students and instructors.  One remarked, “He has demonstrated a true passion and commitment to advancing his career.” While at UTI-DallasFort Worth, Joel was honored to participate in a round-table discussion on campus with Senator Colin Allred (TX).

 

The Penske Outstanding Student Award recognizes students dedicated to succeeding in the automotive/diesel service industry who have demonstrated the ability to assist other students to do the same.

 

Thane Molne (UTI- Rancho Cucamonga) and James Sheridon (NASCAR Tech) were runners-up.

 

Congratulations, Joel!

 

Learn more about TechForce Foundation scholarships & apply here>>

 

 

 


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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