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.
The official newsletter of TechForce Foundation®, made possible by donors like you who believe everyone should have a chance to succeed.
Hello,
It’s almost March! Read our newsletter below to take advantage of TechForce opportunities this spring. Vote for the FutureTechs Rock Grand Prize Winner this week, hear from scholarship recipients, find scholarships of your own, compete for major giveaways and more!
TechForce needs your help to decide which of our 10 Category Winners will take home the 2023 FutureTechs Rock Awards Grand Prize! Vote by Friday 3/3 at TechForce.org/Vote
Meet TechForce scholarship recipient Gideon. Gideon and his family crossed an ocean so that he could pursue his education in the US! We had the chance to hear from Gideon, who has plans for a career in the future of mobility. Read Gideon’s story here.
Economic, social and other barriers mean not everyone has the same opportunity to become a tech. TechForce’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) initiatives work to remove these barriers, with support from our partners New Ford Tech, General Motors, Snap-on Industrial, Nissan and INFINITI. Learn more about our first DEI initiative here.
A few years ago Melesa Starks wasn’t certain what she wanted to do, but she knew she needed a career change. After shadowing a few friends Melesa decided to give automotive a try and hasn’t looked back. Watch her #WomenTechsRock interview to hear how Melesa found success as a tech!
Rad Dan Burkett, TechForce and GEARWRENCH teamed up to award 5 instructors with $2,000 in tools each! If you haven’t joined TechForce yet, what are you waiting for? Find our next giveaway with a free TechForce account>>
Scholarships & Grants
New TechForce scholarships open and are Awarded each month. Visit TechForce.org/Scholarships to learn how TechForce can help you cover the cost of your technical education, with these Awards and more:
TechForce Accelerate Tuition Scholarships Deadline: End of each month | Amount: $1,000–$2,000 Learn more and apply>>
Ford Students: TechForce Ford Accelerate Tuition Scholarship Deadline: End of each month | Amount: $1,000–$2,000 Learn more and apply>>
LAST CHANCE: The Pheobe Omlie Scholarship Deadline: Feb 28, 2023 | Amount: $500–$2,500 Learn more and apply>>
Automotive Aftermarket Scholarships Deadline: Mar 31, 2023 | Amount: Varies 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. Get started with your own free account here>>
Auto technician and first-ever TechForce Humble Mechanic Scholarship recipient I’Rule sat down with Motor Age to talk cars, meeting the Humble Mechanic and what he’s been up to since the scholarship. Read I’Rule’s Motor Age interview.
Check out TechForce training, trivia and more to earn points and climb the Leaderboard. The three students with the most points on March 27 will win a CRC Industries parts washer with a year’s worth of supplies! Sign up to start earning points now>>
Additions expand TechForce’s impact on students’ technical education and career success with added collision repair, reconditioning, automotive service, fleet maintenance and business development expertise. Read the announcement>>
Stay connected. Get the TechForce App!
Join the great organizations below in supporting TechForce. Donate Now
Thank you to TechForce Foundation’s top-tier Corporate Partners & Celebrity Ambassadors!
Inside this newsletter: FutureTechs Rock nominations, events, scholarships and an interview with a diesel technician at the South Pole.
The official newsletter of TechForce Foundation®, made possible by donors like you who believe everyone should have a chance to succeed.
TechForce Foundation,
We at TechForce hope your 2023 is off to a great start… our’s certainly is! Read our January newsletter below for scholarship opportunities, a FutureTechs Rock Awards update, contest results and more. We hope to see you at one of this spring’s events!
TechForce is seeking the best transportation technician students to award over $12,500 in prizes and scholarships from partners including Nissan, Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, Cengage Learning, CRC Industries, New Ford Tech, Mighty Auto Parts, Snap-on Industrial, Volvo and WD-40 Company! Are you a student, or do you know one? Enter a nomination today at TechForce.org/FutureTechsRock. The deadline to nominate is Friday, Feb. 10 at 5PM PT/ 8PM ET.
Sunstate Equipment technician Conor jumpstarted his civilian career thanks to TechForce’s donor-supported Veterans At Work: Military Transition Fund. He says, “TechForce is an unbelievable free resource and it has been a big help throughout my entire process from school to career.” Read Conor’s technician journey here.
Meet heavy diesel technician Golden Muller, Lead Power Plant Mechanic at the National Science Foundation’s Palmer Station in Antarctica! Hear how her technician career allowed Golden to become one of only 256 women to ever winter at the South Pole in her #WomenTechsRock interview, a part of TechForce’s ongoing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
This past weekend TechForce hosted technician students and instructors at the Arizona Concours d’Elegance. Guests had the opportunity to network with classic car collectors and learn about technicians’ role in the restoration and collector car industries. Thank you to our donors who made this experience possible! To find future events like this, create your free TechForce account today>>
As a charitable organization, TechForce Foundation relies on donors like you to make the programs you read about here possible. Your gift becomes the scholarships, grants, experiences, and resources we use to support students. Donate today.
Scholarships & Grants
Below are just a few of the scholarships currently open in TechForce. Visit TechForce.org/Scholarships to learn how TechForce can help you cover the cost of your technical education.
TechForce Accelerate Tuition Scholarships Deadline: Jan 31, 2023 | Amount: $1,000–$2,000 Learn more and apply>>
TechForce Life Happens Emergency Grants Deadline: Jan 30, 2023 | Amount: $400–$1,200 Learn more and apply>>
The Pheobe Omlie Scholarship Deadline: Mar 1, 2023 | Amount: $500–$2,500 Learn more and apply>>
Professional Aviation Maintenance Association Scholarships Deadline: Mar 1, 2023 | Amount: $1,000–$2,000 Learn more and apply>>
The Brown Hudner Navy Scholarship Deadline: Mar 1, 2023 | Amount: Varies Learn more and apply>>
Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) Scholarships Deadline: Mar 9, 2023 | Amount: $500-$5,000 Learn more and apply>>
Upcoming Events
Join us for an upcoming event! Find industry events like these and more in TechForce. Get started with your own free account here>>
Don’t miss the TechForce Mobile STEM Career Center at the EVIT Expo 2023 this Saturday, Jan. 28 from 9AM – 1PM in Mesa, AZ. Stop by our exhibit at the free family-friendly event for games and to learn more about high-tech in-demand technician careers. View event details.
Join us for another fun & free Arizona event! TechForce’s Mobile STEM Center will be at Concours in the Hills on Feb. 4 from 10AM – 3PM in Fountain Hills, AZ. Be sure to stop by for games, career resources, and to say hi! View event details.
Other Stories
Nissan & INFINITI students, we have scholarships for you!
Students in Nissan and INFINITI training programs across the US are encouraged to apply for TechForce scholarships. Thanks to these companies’ support, TechForce has scholarships set aside just for students in their programs. Indicate that you are a Nissan or INFINITI student when applying for a TechForce Accelerate Tuition scholarship to get started. Apply for TechForce scholarships here>>
TechForce partners Ford Motor Company Fund and Enterprise Holdings Foundation have announced a strategic partnership to support the growth of the Collision Engineering Program (CEP). The CEP is also partnering with TechForce to administer the Ford Fund scholarships for students enrolled in the Program. Read the full announcement here.
Congratulations to the winners of TechForce’s Winter Leaderboard Challenge. One student, instructor and school each received AutoZone gift cards up to $1,000 for having the highest engagement in Network activities during the winter 2022-2023 season. The next Leaderboard Challenge starts February 6. Don’t miss out. Log in or join TechForce to participate and get active in building technical careers!
Stay connected. Get the TechForce App!
Join the great organizations below in supporting TechForce. Donate Now
Thank you to TechForce Foundation’s top-tier Corporate Partners and Celebrity Ambassadors!
The official newsletter of TechForce Foundation®. TechForce programs and scholarships are made possible by donors like you.
Happy holidays Spenser,
With the end of the year upon us, TechForce’s December newsletter is looking forward to 2023.
Inside this edition: Free events, scholarships, ways to support technician students this holiday season, and even an instructor-exclusive contest with $10,000 in prizes on the line!
Thank you for your support this past year. 2022 saw the continued growth of the TechForce career network, the launch of the TechForce App and our mobile STEM Career Center, and our 40,000th scholarship awarded! Learn more in TechForce’s 2022 holiday greeting.
Five instructors will each take home $2,000 to spend on GEARWRENCH Tools of their choice! It takes less than five minutes to enter. Log in or join TechForce to enter the contest before it ends on Jan. 20, 2023.
Luke’s interest in aviation maintenance was sparked by a field trip to a local airport. Read his story for insight into the impact of TechForce’s student support.
Daniel McCrum of CarMax in Gulfport, MS is the 2022 Techs Rock Awards Grand Prize Winner! Daniel’s achievements are proof that a technical education and career are viable pathways to success. Learn more about the 2022 Techs Rock Awards at TechForce.org/TechsRock.
Over 300 6-12th graders got an inside look at high-tech hands-on careers with TechForce’s STEM Career Center & partner exhibits at X-STEM Phoenix. Learn more.
TechForce is a 501(c)(3) charity that champions technical careers so communities thrive. Your charitable gift of any size helps connect aspiring technicians to education they need to succeed! Make your tax-deductible donation now.
Only one month left until nominations open for the FutureTechs Rock Awards, honoring the best transportation technician students! View last year’s Winners and learn more about the Awards at TechForce.org/FutureTechsRock.
Scholarships & Grants
Here are just a few of the scholarships & grants currently available in TechForce. Our scholarship portal just had a system refresh, so now is a great time to make sure your General Application has the most up-to-date information. Visit TechForce.org/Scholarships to apply for these scholarships and more from around the industry:
TechForce Accelerate Tuition Scholarships Deadline: Dec 31, 2022 | Amount: $1,000–$2,000 Learn more and apply>>
Life Happens Emergency Grants Deadline: Dec 31, 2022 | Amount: $400–$1,200 Learn more and apply>>
Join us for a backstage tour of Mecum Kissimmee in Florida on January 7th! Tickets are limited to students and instructors only. Log in or join TechForce to get your free ticket.
Don’t miss the TechForce Mobile STEM Career Center at EVIT Expo 2023 on January 28th! Join us for games and to learn more about high-tech in-demand technician careers. View event details.
Not every student needs to attend a 4-year university; a technical education and career is a viable road to success. Our #BeACollisionTech video produced in partnership with Caliber Collision is designed to educate young people about this fact. See the video here.
Student by student and industry by industry we’re a connector that changes outcomes and strengthens communities. Your car donation will help us continue this exciting and important work. Donate your vehicle to TechForce online or by calling (877) 957-2277.
November Newsletter: VOTE NOW for Techs Rock Grand Prize Winner!
Techs Rock Awards Grand Prize Vote is open, our new Technician Supply & Demand Report is out and new scholarships & events are available!
Not rendering correctly? View this email as a web page here.
The official newsletter of TechForce Foundation®. TechForce programs and scholarships are made possible by donors like you.
Hi TechForce Foundation,
We’re heading into December in style! The Techs Rock Awards Grand Prize Vote is open through Friday, our new Technician Supply & Demand Report is out, and new events, scholarships and opportunities to support future technicians are here. You’ll find this and more below in TechForce’s November newsletter.
.png?upscale=true&width=380&upscale=true&name=FTR%2023_Full%20Logo_Blue%20Text%20(1).png)
.png?upscale=true&width=400&upscale=true&name=FTR%2023_Full%20Logo_Blue%20Text%20(1).png)
Heavy Duty Tech Monica loves solving puzzles at work #WomenTechsRock
-1.jpeg?width=270&height=270&upscale=true&name=AAPEX%20TechForce%20Foundation%20221031-204%20(1)-1.jpeg)
Building a more inclusive industry
Don’t let fear get in the way of success-1-1.png?width=352&height=268&upscale=true&name=GEARWRENCH%20Instructor%20Tool%20Giveway%20Winner%20(1)-1-1.png)
Nissan & INFINITI students, we have scholarships for you!
TechForce celebrates new & renewed donors and association partners
Happy Holidays from TechForce Foundation!
Something Just for Instructors: Win $2,000 in GEARWRENCH Tools
Aviation student earns TechForce scholarship
Meet 2022 Techs Rock Awards Grand Prize
Students Get Hands-On at X-STEM Phoenix
Donate to TechForce and Help a Young Person Find the Right Career Fit
2023 FutureTechs Rock Nominations Open
Jan. 7: VIP Student Experience @ Mecum
TechForce & Caliber Collision Video Showcases Demand for Tech Careers
Have an Unused Vehicle? Donate it to Support Future Mobility Technicians
TechForce Leaderboard Challenge
