WD-40®Brand and NAPA Partner with TechForce Foundation to Offer $50,000 in Scholarships to Those Pursuing a Career in the Skilled Trades

WD-40® Brand and NAPA Partner with TechForce Foundation to Offer $50,000 in Scholarships to Those Pursuing a Career in the Skilled Trades


SAN DIEGO – July 17, 2024 –
To bridge the skilled trades gap and empower aspiring technicians to pursue a career in the field, WD-40® Brand and NAPA are partnering with TechForce Foundation to offer $50,000 in scholarships, aimed at bolstering a new generation of trade professionals.

For decades, the skilled trades have suffered from a gap in supply and demand, leading to a significant workforce shortage. For the first time in more than ten years, tech school completions have risen. However, to meet demand over the next five years, the skilled trades must grow by 795,000 new technicians.

“The automotive industry’s future depends on the education and training of today’s students,” said Jamie Walton, executive vice president, merchandising of NAPA. “This partnership with WD-40 Brand and the TechForce Foundation ensures we bring broader visibility and accessibility to technician careers.”

WD-40 Brand and NAPA will award 40 scholarships over the next 12 months. Applicants must be enrolled in a post-secondary automotive, collision or diesel program. To apply and learn more, students can visit techforce.org/napa-wd40brand-scholarships. As part of the partnership, NAPA will be offering WD-40® Multi-Use Product at a discounted price through September 2024.

“WD-40 Brand recognizes the critical role that the skilled trades play in driving America forward,” said Erin Bala, vice president of U.S. marketing and Americas innovation at WD-40 Company. “We are honored to join forces with NAPA in backing TechForce Foundation and its crucial mission to champion students to and through their education into careers as professional technicians.”

TechForce Foundation is a national nonprofit, 501(c)(3) that works with transportation industry leaders to inspire people to explore the technician profession, support students in obtaining the technical education needed to be workforce-ready, and connect students to resources, mentors and employers to thrive in their careers.

“This cross-sector partnership demonstrates the value of industry coming together to demonstrate its commitment to powering the next generation of technicians,” said Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce Foundation. “By combining their support, WD-40 Brand and NAPA will unlock a multiplier effect that will allow our organizations to inspire and support more students together than we ever could apart. TechForce looks forward to collaborating with our partners to connect even more students to technician careers in an industry that urgently needs their skills.”

About WD-40 Brand
WD-40® Brand offers more than 30 innovative, quality products to get the Job Done Right®. The same spirit of innovation for solving the toughest challenges, which led to the creation of the original WD-40® Multi-Use Product, also drove the brand to grow its family of offerings to include the WD-40 Specialist® line – best-in-class products that deliver superior performance for industry professionals. WD-40 Specialist products provide specialized, heavy-duty solutions in factories, facilities, automotive garages, and on farms around the world. The line consists of lubricants, penetrants, greases, cleaners and degreasers, and rust-management solutions scientifically designed for the world’s toughest jobs. For additional information about WD-40® Brand products, please visit wd40.com.

About NAPA
Through nearly 6,000 auto parts stores and over 16,000 auto care and collision centers in the U.S., NAPA has America’s largest network of parts and care. The NAPA Network is supported by nationwide distribution centers with approximately 800,000 available parts, accessories and supplies. Widely recognized for quality parts, rapid availability and knowledgeable people, NAPA Auto Parts stores serve automotive service professionals, do-it-yourselfers and everyday drivers with quality parts, accessories and supplies to keep cars, trucks and equipment performing safely and efficiently. For more information, visit www.napaonline.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 $4 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 is the conduit through which the charity delivers its free resources for the benefit of aspiring technicians. For more information, visit techforce.org. Follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Linkedin.

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Bridging the Trade Skills Gap: Rebellious Wines Unveils Scholarship for Underrepresented Populations

Bridging the Trade Skills Gap: Rebellious Wines Unveils Scholarship for Underrepresented Populations

The Rebellious Riveters Scholarship Program aims to empower students by offering tuition support in post-secondary technical programs across the United States.

June 27, 2024 — PURCHASE, N.Y. — In the spirit of championing the unconventional, Rebellious Wines from California today announced the Rebellious Riveters Scholarship in partnership with TechForce Foundation. The scholarship is a testament to the brand’s commitment to challenging the status quo and aims to empower individuals eager to forge careers in skilled trades.

The development of this Rebellious Riveters Scholarship Program is a direct response to Rebellious Wines’ recent survey, which found that more than half (55%) of Americans believe in breaking gender norms through their career choices. It comes at a critical time as America grapples with a dual challenge: filling the skills gap in its labor market and breaking down gender norms that have kept underrepresented populations out of these lucrative careers.

“The skills gap in trade careers is a pressing issue. Our country needs nearly 800,000 new automotive, diesel, collision repair, aviation, and avionics technicians by 2027 to meet demand, and the underrepresentation of diverse groups is a key factor to consider,” said TechForce Foundation CEO Jennifer Maher. “Support from Rebellious Wines contributes to TechForce Foundation’s charitable work of inspiring all students to explore technician careers, supporting them through their education and connecting them to successful careers. We’re dedicated to increasing representation and partnering with like-minded partners like Rebellious Wines to empower students around the U.S. and provide the crucial support they need to break into these fulfilling careers.”

The industry is experiencing a significant skills gap among underrepresented populations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women are particularly underrepresented, accounting for less than 3% of employed technicians. The Rebellious Riveters Scholarship aims to address this disparity and inspire more people to pursue careers in the skilled trades.

“This scholarship is about equipping unapologetically rebellious individuals with the tools they need to build successful careers,” said Bob DeRoose, President and CEO of Kobrand Corporation. “We are committed to breaking barriers and are honored to support those who embody this notion of being rebellious for good. After all, their drive and determination will ultimately help bridge the skills gap, proving that the future of these industries will be both inclusive and rebellious.”

The Rebellious Riveters Scholarship Program will begin accepting applications on June 26, 2024, and will accept submissions on a rolling basis through August 2024. The scholarships will be available for eligible students enrolled in any post-secondary technician program across the United States.

Please visit www.rebelliouswine.com/rebelliousriveters for more information about the Rebellious Riveters Scholarship Program.

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 $4 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 is the conduit through which the charity delivers its free resources for the benefit of aspiring technicians. For more information, visit techforce.org. Follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Linkedin.

About Kobrand Corporation
Founded in 1944, Kobrand Corporation remains one of the few family-owned wine and spirits companies in the United States. Kobrand’s portfolio of fine wine and spirits was meticulously selected according to a single, unerring principle: quality. This continued focus has made the Kobrand name synonymous with wines and spirits of the highest caliber for over 75 years. Kobrand is the exclusive US agent for an outstanding selection of fine wines from all key wine regions, including the United States, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Japan, Chile, Argentina, Germany, and New Zealand. For more information about Kobrand and our portfolio visit http://www.Kobrandwineandspirits.com

About Rebellious Wines
Founded on the belief that the best wines are born from the unbridled spirit of Nature, Rebellious wines are a testament to the unconventional. With a focus on selecting the finest grapes and embracing unexpected blends, Rebellious offers an extraordinary experience that challenges the status quo. These wines embody an unapologetically rebellious nature, resulting in full-bodied creations that captivate the senses. Like their namesake, they serve as a beacon for those who dare to live on their own terms. Rebellious wines are not just wine; they are a toast to the innovators and trailblazers who continue to inspire and redefine our society, an invitation to embrace the unpredictable and a splash of extraordinary.

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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