2026 Techs Rock Awards

Nomination Eligibility & Requirements

Nominees must be:

1. a professional technician employed full-time, OR
2. a current student studying a technical education curriculum in at least one of the Techs Rock Awards recognized categories:

• Automotive & Motorsports
• Diesel
• Collision, Restoration & Welding
• Aviation, Motorcycle & Marine
• Emerging Technologies
• HVAC, Homes & Buildings

1.) General Eligibility and Requirements for All Nominees:

All nominees must exhibit exemplary character and be making a positive impact in their school, workplace, and/or community.

To nominate a technical student or professional technician, please provide details about your candidate in the nomination form.

Nominations open Monday, June 15, 2026 and close Monday, August 3, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT.

1. Nominees must be 18 years or older to enter, or 16+ with parent/guardian permission.
2. Nominees must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or have DACA status with valid Employment Authorization.
3. A nominee may only be nominated in one category.
4. Each individual may nominate a student or technician only once per person, but may submit multiple nominations for different individuals.
5. Nominations may be submitted by anyone. Self-nominations are accepted.
6. Only one nominee per form submission. Multiple submissions are allowed.
7. Nomination questions must be answered in complete sentences.
8. Nominations must be submitted through the Techs Rock Awards online form. Submissions via other methods or after the deadline will not be accepted.
9. Once nominated, each nominee will receive a Nomination Acceptance email. Nominees must accept their nomination via the linked survey by Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 11:59 PM PT.
10. If a nominee is under 18, their parent/guardian must confirm participation by the same deadline. Failure to respond disqualifies the nominee.
11. All honorees must agree to:
    • a) Name and photo publication in media.
    • b) Participate in a Q&A interview.
    • c) Provide contact/shipping info for prize delivery.
    • d) Participate in a video interview for promotional use.
    • e) be willing to travel to Las Vegas, NV Nov. 4-6, 2026 for recognition at the SEMA Show if selected as the one student or one professional technician Grand Prize Winner.

2.) Student-Specific Eligibility and Requirements:

1. Student nominees must demonstrate passion, commitment, and above-average performance in their technical education.
2. Must be currently enrolled student in a curriculum that falls in one of the six categories outlined above and:
   • a) Has completed at least their sophomore year of high school.
   • b) Is currently a junior/senior in high school or enrolled in a post-secondary program.
3. Nominees must remain enrolled through October 31, 2026.
   • a) Students graduating on or before October 31, 2026 are ineligible.
   • b) Students on a leave of absence or between enrollment periods are ineligible.
   • c) Any misrepresentation of eligibility will result in disqualification and revocation of awards.

3.) Professional Technician-Specific Eligibility and Requirements:

1. Nominees must be known for their technical skill, character, and professionalism, with real examples of exceeding expectations.
2. Must be employed full-time in any of the eligible categories listed above.
3. Technicians with achievements or milestones in the past 18 months are strongly encouraged to be nominated.

Note on Prize Income:

• Prizes are considered taxable income under the Internal Revenue Code.
• Prize value will be reported on Form 1099-MISC if over $600 in a calendar year.
• Winners must complete a W-9 and prize/award acceptance form.
• If awarded a scholarship, recipients must also complete the application and acceptance process at techforce.org.