Calling all women technicians: Share your story!

Only 2.5% of technicians are women. It is time to celebrate them, learn from them and work together to raise the percentage! Help us share stories from women techs who rock and inspire the next generation. Tell us who we should recognize at TechForce.org/WomenTechStories

Attend the first ever CarMax Curbside Career Day

TechForce partner CarMax is hosting the first ever CarMax Curbside Career Day Thursday June 10 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. in 16 cities. There will be job opportunities for both new and seasoned automotive professionals, with potential for jobs to be offered on the spot. Learn how you can attend the event here>>

NASCAR Truck Series ticket giveaway from CRC Industries

We’ve partnered with CRC Industries for a NASCAR ticket giveaway! Enter by 6/20 for your chance at a ticket to the CRC Brakleen 150 NASCAR Truck Series Doubleheader Weekend at Pocono Raceway. Winners announced 6/21. Learn more and enter at JoinTechForce.org

TechForce Welcomes Board Member Mark Ferner

Mark Ferner of Bridgestone Retail Operations has joined TechForce Foundation’s Board of Directors. Mark brings experience and insight from his time as a technician and more than 30 years of technical R&D and operational leadership to the TechForce Board. Congratulations, Mark! Learn more about TechForce Foundation’s Board of Directors here>>

Announcing Mighty Auto Parts support for TechForce Foundation

Mighty Auto Parts has joined TechForce Foundation’s growing list of supporters with a $25,000 contribution in support of our work to inspire, support and connect the next generation of transportation technicians. Learn more about Mighty Auto Parts here>>

CarsYeah! interviews TechForce winners

The CarsYeah! Podcast recently interviewed Kassidy Nixon, the 2020 FutureTechs Rock Awards^TM Restoration Category Winner and Jordan Smith, the top female student in TechForce’s Peer-Network beta test. Both women are studying to become transportation technicians. Listen to Kassidy’s interview>> and Jordan’s interview>> to learn more.

Something fun… What celebrity is your car?

If you were only allowed to use one tool to fix your ride, what would you choose? If your car was a celebrity, who would it be? Take a minute and submit your answers in our peer network under “Challenges” and vote for your favorite to earn points! Join TechForce today to get started>>

Support technician students: Donate your vehicle to TechForce

Donate your car, RV or boat to TechForce Foundation to support students in their education and careers as professional transportation technicians. Your car donation will fund our work to inspire, connect and support the next generation of techs. Donate your vehicle today by calling 1-877-957-2277 or clicking here>>

Thank you to all TechForce Foundation partners!

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

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

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

TOPICS IN UNDER THE HOOD FOR MAY 2021:

FutureTechs Rock Awards Grand Prize Winner | The Humble Mechanic Partners With TechForce | Scholarship: Terry Emig Hero Spirit Award | WD-40 Virtual Event | SunState Continues To Support TechForce | Donate Your Car To Support Technicians | TechForce Peer Network | TMCSuperTech Augmented Reality Game | Cars Yeah! Podcast with Jen Maher | Garage Guru Scholarship Available.
 
 
 

2021 FutureTechs Rock Awards Grand Prize Winner

Congratulations to 2021 FutureTechs Rock Awards Grand Prize Winner Zander Worm, representing the Motorsports category of the Awards. Zander is a high-school student from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, who is determined to one day lead Chevrolet’s Corvette team.

2021 was the biggest FutureTechs Rock Awards yet, and we thank everyone who made this year’s Awards possible. Students were nominated from 39 states, 40% of this year’s finalists and runners up were women and more than $14,500 in prizes are being distributed. Learn more about the Awards and this year’s winners here>>

The Humble Mechanic joins the workforce development campaign

TechForce Foundation is excited to welcome Charles Sanville, AKA The Humble Mechanic as our newest celebrity ambassador! Charles Sanville is a certified Master Volkswagen Technician with over 10 years of experience. The Humble Mechanic YouTube channel features informative, accessible and fun videos about cars, parts and the technician career. Learn more about The Humble Mechanic here>>

Congratulations to Hunter Nelson, the most recent recipient of the Terry Emig Hero Spirit Award! An Eagle Scout and UTI student, Hunter plans to use his automotive technology education to become a Porsche technician.

Learn more about TechForce Foundation scholarships and start your application in our peer network today at JoinTechForce.org>>
 
 
 
 

Virtual Event: WD-40 CEO to discuss impact of learning organizations on 5/26

Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from CEO and Chairman of the WD-40 Company Garry Ridge and world renowned executive coach Dr. Marshall Goldsmith on May 26 at 1:30 PM EDT/ 10:30 AM PDT!

These industry leaders will host a webinar explaining how WD-40 Company evolved into a learning organization, and how learning moments can drive positive changes in your organization. The event is hosted by TechForce partners WD-40 Company and S/P2 Training, as well as the American Safety Council. Learn more and register here>>
 
 
 

Longtime TechForce partner Sunstate Equipment renews commitment

TechForce Foundation thanks Sunstate Equipment, a long-time partner in our workforce development campaign, for their recent donation. Sunstate’s contribution includes $25,000 in support of TechForce’s general mission, and an additional $10,000 to fund our veteran-specific programs. Learn more about Sunstate Equipment here>>

Support technician students: Donate your vehicle to TechForce

Donate your car, RV or boat to TechForce Foundation to support students in their education and careers as professional auto, diesel, collision, aviation, and other transportation technicians. Your car donation will fund the technical education and careers of future technicians. Donate a car, RV, boat or other vehicle today by calling 1-877-957-2277 or clicking here>>
 
 
 

Join the world’s only peer network dedicated to future and working technicians

Are you on TechForce yet? Experience the world’s first and only peer network 100% dedicated to future and working technicians! Connect with other students, educators and working techs, compete in daily trivia and other fun challenges, and find events, trainings, scholarships and more. Join TechForce today>>

TMC releases augmented reality game to attract new technicians

TMCSuperTech is an augmented reality game that lets you progress through a career as a technician in the trucking industry. Start as a trainee and level up to full-time tech to customize the trucks in your garage. Do your job and do it well, and you will graduate from Full-Time Technician to the Owner of the shop itself! Learn about the app>>
 
 
 
 
 

Catch up with TechForce Foundation on the CarsYeah! Podcast

Have you heard TechForce Foundation CEO Jennifer Maher’s interview on the Cars Yeah! Podcast? Listen to catch up on some exciting updates from TechForce Foundation, including how you can join the world’s first peer network for future and working technicians. Listen here>>
 
 
 
 
 

Thank you to WrenchNation’s Frank Leutz and Desert Car Care

TechForce Foundation staff recently dropped by to say thank you to WrenchNation host Frank Leutz and the entire Desert Car Care of Chandler team for their outstanding support. TechForce joined Desert Car Care for lunch, a tour of the shop and to brainstorm ways to further serve student technicians. Learn more about Wrench Nation here>>
 
 
 

Reminder: Garage Guru Scholarships closing 5/31

Garage Gurus’ has extended the deadline for their annual scholarship through May 31, 2021. The scholarship is open to high school and post-secondary students pursuing an automotive technician education. Twelve students will be awarded up to $2,500 each to help support their educational expenses! Learn more and apply here>>

Thank you to all TechForce Foundation partners!

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

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

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

TOPICS IN UNDER THE HOOD FOR APRIL 2021:

FutureTechs Rock Awards | Join TechForce’s Peer Network | John Weinberger Driven to Care Legacy Scholarship | Harbor Freight Teacher Excellence Prize | New Partners: CADIA & STEAM Sports Foundations | TechForce Scholarship | NC3 and SkillsUSA signing days

Nominate a student for the FutureTechs Rock Awards | Deadline April 20

Over $14,500 in prizes are up for grabs in TechForce’s 2021 FutureTechs Rock Awards! Anyone can nominate a student. Self-nominations are accepted. Ten finalists will be chosen by a panel of industry judges, and one student will go on to win the Grand Prize based on a public vote.

Take five minutes to nominate an outstanding transportation technician student. Nominations close this Tuesday April 20, so act today! Nominate a student for the 2021 FutureTechs Rock Awards>>

Join the world’s only peer network dedicated to future and working technicians

Are you on TechForce yet? Experience the world’s first and only peer network 100% dedicated to future and working technicians! Connect with other students, educators and working techs, compete in daily trivia and other fun challenges, and find events, trainings, scholarships and more. Join TechForce today>>

Apply for John Weinberger Driven to Care Legacy
Scholarships by April 30

The family of renowned automotive enthusiast, racer, and entrepreneur John Weinberger has teamed up with TechForce to offer a variety of scholarships.

The John Weinberger Driven to Care Legacy Scholarships support students with awards of up to $10,000 across a broad spectrum of automotive career disciplines. Per TechForce procedure, students must submit an Accelerate Tuition application and will be considered for all possible awards. Don’t miss out! Learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply before the April 30 deadline here>>

Apply for the 2021 Prize for Teaching Excellence by May 21

Harbor Freight Tools for Schools announced that applications are now open for its fifth annual Prize for Teaching Excellence. The prize will award over $1 million to 18 outstanding public high school skilled trades teachers and their programs. To apply before the May 21, 2021 deadline head to HFTforSchoolsPrize.org>>

TechForce welcomes CADIA & STEAM Sports Foundation as Association Partners

TechForce is excited to partner with Center for Automotive Diversity & Inclusion and Advancement (CADIA) in pursuit of our ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion. CADIA is a non-profit that seeks to double the number of diverse leaders in automotive by providing diversity, equity and inclusion tools, networks, insights and practical advice to companies in the auto-mobility space. Learn more here>>

TechForce also welcomes STEAM Sports Foundation as an Association Partner in our workforce development campaign. The Foundation is dedicated to showing tomorrow’s workforce career opportunities available via science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM). Learn more about STEAM Sports Foundation here>>

TechForce scholarships help students pursue their passion

“With three generations of close family that work on cars, I became passionate about their engineering and mechanics at a young age,” says Cody, a college-level technician student and TechForce Foundation scholarship recipient.

TechForce is proud to support passionate students like Cody with tuition scholarships. Learn how TechForce’s scholarships can help you achieve your education goals and apply here>>

Celebrate technician careers with NC3 and SkillsUSA signing days

National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3)’s National CTE Letter of Intent Signing Day is this Thursday, April 15. This day is dedicated to high school students who are making a commitment to technical education. Learn how you can celebrate your fellow students and the dignity of work>>

SkillsUSA National Signing Day will be held on Tuesday, May 4 to celebrate high school seniors and college/post-secondary students who have chosen to pursue a career as a professional in any of the skilled trades. Learn how you can get involved here>>

Thank you to all TechForce Foundation partners!

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

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

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

Topics in Under the Hood for February 2021:

Scholarship management of New Ford Tech’s ASSET program | TMCSuperTech mobile game | Be A Pathfinder – Learning Quiz | Scholarship winner – Penske Outstanding Student Award | CRC Industries joins TechForce | Donate Your Car | CREF 30 years | WD-40 increases participation in TechForce | Scholarships Available via Automotive Aftermarket Scholarships Central & Carl Tapp Technician Scholarship

TechForce Foundation awarded administration of Ford ASSET scholarships

New Ford Tech has transferred management of scholarships for its Automotive Student Service Education Training (ASSET) program to TechForce Foundation. Students applying for all Ford ASSET scholarships can now do so at TechForce.org/Scholarships>>

Learn more about New Ford Tech’s ASSET program>>

TMC debuts mobile game to spark students’ interest in diesel tech careers

TMCSuperTech is an augmented reality game that lets you progress through a career as a technician in the trucking industry. Start as a trainee and level up to full-time tech where you can gain in-game cash to customize the trucks in your garage. Do your job and do it well, and you will graduate from Full-Time Technician to the Owner of the shop itself! Download TMCSuperTech for free on Google Play>> and the App Store>>

“Be a Pathfinder” – TechForce generated 80% more new contacts

Thank you to our partners who joined in to make TechForce Foundation’s 2021 “Be a Pathfinder” promotion a success! 80% more people viewed our Learning Style Quiz and discovered their learning style than during last year’s campaign.

Find out what all the buzz is about. Take five minutes to discover your learning style today>>

Scholarship winner highlight: Penske Outstanding Student Award

Congratulations to Melesa Starks, recent winner of the Roger Penske Outstanding Student Award, recognizing students dedicated to succeeding in the automotive/diesel service industry who have demonstrated the ability to assist other students to do the same.

Melesa has since graduated from Universal Technical Institute and been offered a job with Volvo, allowing for a new city and new adventures. Victor De Leon, Jr. and Dakota Ty Hendrick were chosen as runners-up. Learn more about the winner>>

CRC Industries joins the workforce development campaign

TechForce Foundation welcomes CRC Industries as the newest partner in our industry wide workforce development campaign to inspire, connect and support the next generation of transportation technicians. Learn about CRC Industries>>

TechForce now accepting vehicle donations

Do you have a car, boat or RV you no longer want? Donate it to TechForce Foundation! Our vehicle donation program will pick up your car, boat or RV free of charge, whether it runs or not. Donate your vehicle today>>

CREF celebrates 30 years of supporting collision programs

TechForce association partner Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2021 by ramping up efforts to support high school and college collision programs, students and instructors nationwide. CREF will be announcing unique fundraising and support opportunities throughout 2021. Learn more about CREF’s celebration here>>

WD-40 Company increases participation in workforce development campaign

TechForce Foundation thanks long-time partner WD-40 Company for increasing its already significant participation in our industry wide workforce development campaign. Learn more about WD-40 Company>> 

Scholarship Opportunity: Automotive Aftermarket Scholarships Central

Apply to Automotive Aftermarket Scholarships Central today. All it takes is one application to be considered for hundreds of scholarships from more than 40 donors. Students planning to pursue a transportation technician career are encouraged to apply before the March 31, 2021 deadline. Apply today>>

Scholarship Opportunity: Arkansas Trucking Association’s Carl Tapp Scholarship

High school seniors planning to attend a medium and/or heavy duty truck technician training program in the state of Arkansas after graduation are encouraged to apply for the Carl Tapp Technician Scholarship! Applications are due April 2, 2021. Apply today>> 

Thank you to all TechForce Foundation partners!

Associations: Automotive Communications Council, Automotive Maintenance & Repair Association (AMRA), American Rental Association (ARA), Automotive Service Association (ASA), Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), ASE Education Foundation, ASE Training Managers Council (ATMC), Auto Care Association/Women in Auto Care, Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF), Coordinating Committee for Automotive Repair (CCAR), Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA), Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence, National Association of Automobile Clubs of Canada (NAACC), National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF), National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3), National Center for Autonomous Technology (NCAT), SkillsUSA and American Trucking Association’s Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC)

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

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