TechForce Foundation has named the Finalists in its Techs Rock Awards and opened the public People’s Choice Grand Prize Vote!
One Future Technician and one Working Technician Finalist, as chosen by the public vote, will be named Grand Prize Winners. Read their bios and get to know more about them!
Harbor Freight Tools is back with an awesome Leaderboard Challenge! The top 3 students and the top 3 instructors with the most points in the network will win gift certificates to Harbor Freight. Looks like John DeSantis, a High School Student, and Mark Borisyuk of NASCAR Tech have the lead so far in the student category. It is anyone’s game with one month left!
Mecum Events
With VIP tickets provided exclusively to TechForce student users, you can gain priority access to prime viewing areas, ensuring they’re at the forefront of the action! Check out to see if there is an event in your area!
Show Us Your Ink
TechForce’s “Show Us Your Ink” is the place to flaunt your tattoos! From automotive-inspired designs to tributes to beloved vehicles, it’s all about sharing your ink and the stories behind it.
Exciting news!! 🚀 We have $4M in scholarships for 2024 to help you kickstart your career.
Accelerate Tuition Scholarships: Need a hand with tuition? We’ve got your back. These scholarships are all about making technical education affordable.
Phoebe Omlie Awards: Ever heard of Phoebe Omlie? She rocked the aviation world as the first female with an FAA aircraft mechanic’s license. We’re honoring her legacy with awards for aviation tech students ranging from $500 to $5,000. Use the cash for tools or school fees. Hurry, the deadline is February 15th!
Our scholarships aren’t just about money; they’re about empowering YOU!
New year, new challenge! The student with the most points in January will win a $200 AMEX Gift Card. Looks like Edgar DeSantis of BOCES has a strong lead but former winner, Adin Papendick, of Lincoln Tech Mahwah is close behind!!!
Name that Sound
Are you an expert at deciphering mysterious sounds? NEW: “Name That Sound” Contest is up for a $100 Gift Card to Harbor Freight! Last month we did not have any winners, so step up and see if you win TechForce’s hardest contest!
VIP Event:
Central Texas, we have a super exclusive event just for you! Get hands- at the Ferrari of Austin Event on February 17, 2024 at 10am.
We believe that you, as an instructor, should focus on what you do best: helping students get further, faster with a tech career. Join TechForce (FREE) today.
The Awards will honor technical students and professional technicians, with two Grand Prize Winners being recognized live on stage at Mecum Glendale 2024. Nominations are open through Jan. 14 at TechForce.org/TechsRock.
👉Judges for Techs Rock Awards Include:
ChrisFix,The World’s Largest Automotive YouTuber
Sabré Cook, Professional Racing Driver & Mechanical Engineer
JP Emerson,Automotive Journalist & Host of The JP Emerson Show
John Gardner, Host of “Tech Garage” & “Motorhead Garage” TV series
MBP, Shoreline, and Six, Hosts of the Cancelled for Maintenance Podcast
Humble Mechanic, Host of Humble Mechanic YouTube Channel
Frank Leutz,Host of Wrench Nation Car Talk Radio
Emily Reeves, Co-Host of Flying Sparks Garage
Brandon Steckler, Technical Editor at Motor Age Magazine
Micki Woods, Micki Woods Marketing & Host of the Body Bangin’ Podcast
In addition to the recognition and prestige that comes with winning a Techs Rock Award, winners will also receive exciting prizes. The one student and one technician named Grand Prize Winners will receive a trip to Glendale, Arizona. to enjoy dinner with top industry leaders at TechForce’s National Partner Summit and be recognized on stage at Mecum Glendale 2024.
Get ready to test your knowledge and win points in our Hertz EV Special Trivia! Join us for an electrifying quiz that will rev up your understanding of electric vehicles and their impact on the future of transportation.
Contest:
Are you an expert at deciphering mysterious sounds? NEW: "Name That Sound" Contest is up for a $100 Gift Card to Harbor Freight!
VIP Event:
Kissimmee we have a VIP experience at Mecum Auctions! You will experience a rare glimpse into auctions with free admission and a VIP tour! RSVP for your class or individually.
We believe that you, as an instructor, should focus on what you do best: helping students get further, faster with a tech career. Join TechForce (FREE) today.
👉 Snap-On Tools Contest and $500 Leaderboard Challenge
🍁 HOLIDAY CHALLENGE EDITION
Happy Holiday Season from TechForce! We hope you are enjoying this week with family and friends. Thanks for supporting TechForce Foundation.
🏁🏆New Leaderboard Challenge from Penske Truck Leasing!
See if you can get the most number of points in TechForce by the end of the year! The prize is $500 for the Top Student & $500 for the Top Instructor. The challenge is LIVE now in TechForce™.
🧰 💥 New Contest Alert: Snap-on Tools is throwing down the gauntlet in an epic battle of schools in an end-of-the-year challenge!
The top (3) three schools (high schools and/or post-secondary schools) with the highest increase in the number of students, instructors, school staff, and others registered as users in TechForce will win a $5,000 Snap-on tool voucher to equip their classroom(s) with needed tools of their choice, (based on availability)!
We believe that you, as an instructor, should focus on what you do best: helping students get further, faster with a tech career. Join TechForce (FREE) today.
Sign up for a series of VIP student events brought to you by TechForce™.
Kansas City and Kissimmee we have a VIP Backstage experience at Mecum! You will experience a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into auctions! RSVP for your class or individually.
We also have exclusive tickets to PRI in Indianapolis, December 8th! This is the world's largest gathering of motorsports professionals! Only 50 tickets are available for high school students!
Secure your spot at SEMA Vegas, Mecum Dallas, and Formula Drift Irwindale. Exciting contests and surprises await you!
SEPTEMBER 2023
NEW LEADERBOARD CHALLENGE
TechForce has a new Leaderboard Challenge, brought to you by New Ford Tech!
In first place is Gibson Baker from Portland Arts & Technology High School. Baker has been the dominant force in the race so far, and he's looking to keep his lead and take home the top prize. In second place is David Daignault from Portland Arts & Technology High School. Daignault has been steadily gaining ground on Baker, and he's not going to give up without a fight. In third place is Samuel Rotar from Portland Arts & Technology High School, Rotar is the dark horse in this race, but he's definitely capable of pulling off an upset.
With so much time still in this challenge, anything is possible. Portland Arts & Technology High School is the school to look out for - who else thinks they got it? So stay tuned for the rest of the TechForce Leaderboard Challenge, and see who comes out on top!
Prizes for Top 3 Students:
$500* for First Place, $250* for Second Place, $200* for Third. *Gift Certificate to Ford Rotunda Tools & Equipment.
If you haven't already, check out TechForce's new scholarship portal with over $2.3 Million dollars to give away this year!We are making it easier for you to access and apply. So, what are you waiting for?!
MEET BRENNEN
Beneficiary of The John & Bernadette Heenan Veterans at Work Fund & Spotlight User
“Since I was a little girl, I’ve always really enjoyed working with my hands and I knew I wanted to be a technician. I look forward to learning everything I can and being able to move up the ranks of master technician. My ultimate goal is to one day own my own shop and getting certified is going to help tremendously with those plans.”
For two consecutive months, our "Name That Sound" contest has stumped even the best auditory detectives among us. Despite the enthusiastic guesses and a network buzzing with ideas, the mysterious sounds remain unidentified! Are you up for the challenge? This month, we urge you to bring your A-game and be the first to crack the sound!
Secret Clue: In the craftsman's realm, where tasks conclude, there's a muted finale not loud or rude.
This month's prize: $100 Harbor Freight gift card!
Sign up for a series of VIP student events brought to you by TechForce.
Texas, we have a VIP Backstage experience at Mecum Dallas on September 21st. You will experience a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into auctions! RSVP deadline ends soon, so sign up fast!
Experience the adrenaline rush as elite drivers showcase their precision and skill at Formula Drift in Irwindale on October 13th.
We will be in Vegas at AAPEX & SEMA November 2nd with another VIP experience! Experience tours, lunch with industry leaders, and access to trainings. These tickets are going quickly, so sign up fast!
This month's CarMax Leaderboard was SUPER competitive this month with some head-to-head battles for first place. Shout out to everyone who participated!
STUDENT LEADERS:
Gavin Hartwell of NASCAR Tech SHOCKED the leaderboard in the last few hours jumping from 3rd place to first! Enrique Sanchez of Western Tech - El Paso and Bryan Edmond of MMI Phoenix were just behind with over 100K points!!
INSTRUCTORS:
Joe Karol and Rich Izars of NASCAR Tech had a crazy back-and-forth competition with John Stratton of Oneida-Hekimer-Madison (OHM) BOCES right behind! Congrats Rich on the big win!!
SCHOOLS:
NASCAR Tech knows how to win this season with over 385K points!! Good luck next season, MMI Phoenix and Western Technical College - El Paso.
Above: Second Place Student Winner, Enrique Sanchez of Western Tech - El Paso
Top Prizes for School, Student, and Instructors:
Per Catagory: $500 for First Place, $250 for Second Place, $200 for Third, and $50 for random points users. CONGRATS!!!
If you haven't already, check out TechForce's new scholarship portal with over $2.3 Million dollars to give away this year!We are making it easier for you to access and apply. So, what are you waiting for?!
MEET RILEY
Techs Rock Award Winner & Spotlight User
Riley at age 13 began restoring carburetors to earn money to eventually purchase her first car. Now at 18, she is a business owner and the youngest-ever winner of the Techs Rock Awards! Check out her profile and others in TechForce.
Are you an expert at deciphering mysterious sounds? Do you have an ear for identifying the subtle nuances of mechanical noises? If so, showcase your skills in our "Name That Sound" contest! We present you with an exciting opportunity to prove your knowledge of sounds from various vehicles, equipment, and tools.
This month's prize: $100 Harbor Freight gift card!
TechForce has been all across the U.S. attending events this summer from Road America to NASCAR Poconos, Portland Speed Tour to Mecum Harrisburg! This summer TechForce had more tickets to give away than any other year, so check out if there are any in your area!
Next Stop - Driven to Care's Autobahn Country Club Student Experience, August 24, 2023.
TechForce is awarding $2.3 million in scholarships and grants in 2023, and now it’s easier than ever to apply! Our 15-minute application has been streamlined so you can get back to your Summer fun. Hundreds of students have received TechForce scholarships in 2023 already. Don’t be left behind – Apply now!
Enter the 2023 U.S. Auto Tech National Championship
Students and professional technicians can qualify now for this national skills competition, either at an in-person event or through the online Driven to Win quiz. Over $115,000 in cash prizes are on the line. What are you waiting for?Qualify by the July 31 deadline!
For a limited time, small to medium-sized businesses can join our TechForce Champion membership and access exclusive resources for only $500 from July 2023 – December 2023. As a TechForce Champion, you can showcase your business, post an internship or apprenticeship, and receive resumes in your inbox from our online community of students and working techs. Your tax-deductible contribution supports impactful campaigns helping to solve the tech shortage. This offer is only available for a limited time, so join today!
Get Your Free Ticket to These Events Now
Students and instructors can request free tickets in our current event giveaways:
• Mecum Kissimmee | July 6 in Kissimmee, FL
• Portland SpeedTour | July 21 in Portland, OR
• Mecum Harrisburg | July 27 in Harrisburg, PA
• Acceler8 at Formula Drift | Aug 11 in Monroe, WA
Log in to view our full calendar for hundreds of upcoming events. New events are added each week!
TechForce in the News
Share your technician story and inspire other future techs. Email us at bpeoples@techforce.org and you just might end up “In the News”!
Nominate a professional technician for the 2023 Techs Rock Awards! Tell us about your colleagues, mentors, friends, and even yourself for a chance to win national recognition and a share of $18,500 in prizes at TechForce.org/TechsRock
Austin has always been hands-on. “In high school, I found a group of friends that enjoyed cars… I even got to the point where my parents let me [work on theirs].” Thanks to a TechForce scholarship, Austin is now studying advanced technical training. “I can’t wait for the future to come!” Read Austin’s full interview here>>
Did you know an emergency expense as low as $450 can derail a student’s education? That’s why TechForce works directly with schools to provide emergency “Life Happens” grants when students need them most. Your support makes our mission possible. Donate to keep a student in school.
TechForce is awarding $2.3 million in scholarships & grants in 2023 to help technician students cover the cost of attendance, emergencies, and more. Sign in & submit your general application!
Awards are made each month. Current opportunities include:
Ford Fund Auto Tech Scholarship ($5,000 ea /$2,500 per semester)
The official newsletter of TechForce Foundation® , made possible by donors like you who believe students should find an education and career that fits.
April 2023
Hello,
Short on time? Here are two quick ways to connect now:
Join TechForce to access scholarships, events, training, and more resources for free. Invite your friends to join with you, too!
Donate. Help us champion technical education and careers so that communities thrive.
Thanks to a $1 million donation from Ford Motor Company Fund and Ford dealers, TechForce will nearly double scholarships awarded in 2023 to financially-struggling students who dream of becoming auto/diesel technicians! Read the full announcement>>
Nominate professional technicians you know for the 2023 Techs Rock Awards from May 15-26 at TechForce.org/TechsRock. Five technicians will be recognized with $15,000+ in prizes and industry-wide recognition, with one winning a trip to STX 2024 in Orlando, FL!
If you’ve been following TechForce, you know Jinelee. In just three years Jinelee went from Googling how to fix her own truck to learning from professionals and is now a professional technician herself! Read Jinelee’s story>>
Your charitable donation to TechForce Foundation will be matched, dollar for dollar, through Thursday, April 27. Your donation helps the thousands of students like Jinelee that TechForce supports each year. Don’t miss out—Donate to double your impact now>>
TechForce is awarding $2.3 million in scholarships & grants in 2023 to help technician students cover the cost of attendance, emergencies, and more. Sign in & submit your general application!
Awards are made each month. Current opportunities include:
We’re committed to helping you find every scholarship you can. Visit the TechForce scholarship portal to find ones from Harbor Freight Tools for Schools, STEAM Sports Foundation, and more organizations throughout the industry.
The official newsletter of TechForce Foundation®, made possible by donors like you who believe everyone should have a chance to succeed.
Hello,
Spring is in full swing! Our March newsletter has your free event tickets, scholarships and updates. Read the ways TechForce is helping students through their education and into careers as professional technicians.
Be sure to mark your calendar for a big TechForce announcement coming on March 30!
Congratulations to 2023 FutureTechs Rock Awards Grand Prize Winner Taeler Cloverdale! Meet all 10 students recognized in this year’s Awards at TechForce.org/FTR23Winners.
Stay tuned for the 2023 Techs Rock Awards, celebrating professional technicians. Nominations open May 15 at TechForce.org/TechsRock.
From windshield wipers and road trips to the freedom to drive, women continue to make countless contributions to how we all get around. TechForce celebrates women in transportation history this month, and every other month this year. Join the conversation with #womentechsrock.
Ford ASSET technician student Jeffrey Johnson was selected from hundreds of TechForce scholarship applicants to receive the Ultimate Beginner Toolbox, built with $2,500 in tools by The Humble Mechanic himself! Watch the build here.
TechForce spoke with Monica, a Heavy Duty Technician who works on everything from big trucks to tractors and heavy equipment. Listen to her #WomenTechsRock interview to hear what Monica loves about being a technician.
Scholarships & Grants
We’re doubling our scholarships in 2023 to $2.3 Million! Head to TechForce.org/Scholarships to learn how TechForce can help you cover the cost of your technical education. New scholarships are awarded each month, so submit your general application today.
TechForce Accelerate Tuition Scholarships Deadline: March 31, 2023 | Amount: $1,000–$2,000 Learn more and apply>>
Driven to Care John F. Weinberger Legacy Scholarship Deadline: April 30, 2023 | Amount: $1,000–$6,000 Learn more and apply>>
Nissan Students: TechForce Accelerate Tuition Scholarship Deadline: March 31, 2023 | Amount: $1,000–$2,000 Learn more and apply>>
Automotive Aftermarket Scholarships Deadline: Mar 31, 2023 | Amount: Varies Learn more and apply>>
Women in Trucking Foundation Scholarships Deadline: April 16, 2023 | Amount: $1,000 Learn more and apply>>
Upcoming Events
Join us for an upcoming event! Find our full calendar of industry events, ticket giveaways, and more in TechForce. Request your tickets with your own free account here>>
Stop by for hands-on games including the Pit Crew Challenge, talk to TechForce staff and learn about high-tech in-demand tech careers. Log in to find more events.
Please share your contact details and a TechForce team member will contact you.
"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."
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Heavy Duty Tech Monica loves solving puzzles at work #WomenTechsRock
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