TechForce Foundation | Scholarships For Transportation Technicians
Search
Donate
JOIN
LOGIN

ENTER AS

STUDENT
SCHOOL
WORKING TECHS
SUPPORTERS
STUDENT
SCHOOL
WORKING TECHS
SUPPORTERS

FUTURE TECHS & WORKING TECHS

VOTE NOW!

NOT SURE WHO TO VOTE FOR? GET TO KNOW THEM

To vote, please select one name from the list below in the Future and Working Tech category.
To confirm your voting selection, please provide your email address.

FUTURE TECHS

Automotive & Motorsports

Diesel

Collision, Restoration & Welding

Aviation, Motorcycle, Marine

Emerging Tech

HVAC, Home & Buildings

FUTURE TECH

Marcello Dean

McPherson College

READ BIO

FUTURE TECH

Nathaneal Watkins

Big Sandy Community and Technical College

READ BIO

FUTURE TECH

William Morrison

Northwood University

READ BIO

FUTURE TECH

Sabrina Marrero

Aviation Institute of Maintenance
Hasbrouck, Heights, Campus

READ BIO

FUTURE TECH

Caleb Marc

Lincoln Technical Institute, Union Campus.

READ BIO

FUTURE TECH

Dylan Matjazic

Universal Technical Institute, Canton Campus.

READ BIO

WORKING TECHS

Automotive & Motorsports

Diesel

Collision, Restoration & Welding

Aviation, Motorcycle, Marine

Emerging Tech

HVAC, Home & Buildings

WORKING TECH

David Borer

Reineke Family Dealerships

READ BIO

WORKING TECH

Cristian Trasandes

San Diego Miramar College

READ BIO

WORKING TECH

Jose Caballero-Vallejo

Team Toyota

READ BIO

WORKING TECH

Mia Jackson

Hinckley Yachts Chesapeake

READ BIO

WORKING TECH

Trevor Burgin

Pinnacle Career Institute

READ BIO

WORKING TECH

Bryan Baker

Cool Breeze Heating & Air

READ BIO

Automotive & Motorsports

Marcello DeaN

Future Tech
McPherson College
McPherson, KS

Marcello Dean found his calling early and pursues it with tireless passion. At twenty he bought a 1969 Commando Jeepster and spent the next year restoring it alongside his grandfather while working full‑time at a local garage. That project led him to enroll in the Automotive Restoration program at McPherson College, where he immerses himself in the history and craft of classic‑car restoration. Marcello has earned multiple scholarships including a selective award from the Automotive Restoration department, and works part‑time for the department while assisting with McPherson’s Summer Institute. On campus he is known for lending a hand to classmates on their projects and has quickly become a beloved figure within the program. His commitment to community is longstanding: a fourth‑degree Taekwondo black belt, he taught children for years; he coached youth trap shooting; and he now volunteers through the CARS club and Shotgun Sports Team. Whether taking his restored Jeepster on road trips or mentoring peers, Marcello embodies the enthusiasm, generosity and craftsmanship that define the Techs Rock Awards.

Diesel

Nathanael Watkins

Future Tech
Big Sandy Community and Technical College
Prestonburg, KY

Nathanael Watkins embodies the heart, grit and community spirit that power America’s diesel industry. A top student in his diesel‑mechanic program, he pairs classroom excellence with the real‑world demands of life on his family farm in Eastern Kentucky. When he isn’t studying he can be found baling hay, maintaining equipment, feeding livestock and restoring his own 1978 Chevy pickup. Nathanael also serves as a primary caregiver for his grandfather, a retired coal miner battling black‑lung disease, and frequently repairs equipment for friends, neighbors and church members without expecting anything in return. In class he stays late to tutor classmates and is praised for his team‑first attitude and quiet leadership. Whether backing a hay trailer down a one‑lane mountain road or mastering diesel theory, Nathanael demonstrates maturity, selflessness and technical ability beyond his years. He represents a future where hard work, family values and service are at the heart of skilled trades.

Collision, Restoration & Welding

William Morrison

Future Technician
Northwood University
Midland, MI

William Morrison pairs hands‑on experience with entrepreneurial vision. He started his career in high school working for Hendrick Automotive and progressed to become a certified collision technician. After earning an associate degree from technical school he continued interning with Hendrick while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Aftermarket Management at Northwood University. There he was elected president of the aftermarket club and leads a student project to renovate an older BMW 3‑Series. William doesn’t just perform repairs, he innovates tools to improve efficiency and plans to launch a business designing and selling specialty collision tools. He is also helping Northwood build relationships with employers and exposing fellow students to career opportunities in the collision industry. Driven, creative and respected by his peers, William represents the future of automotive repair and entrepreneurship.
Aviation, Motorcycle & Marine

Sabrina Marrero

Future Technician
Aviation Institute of Maintenance,
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ

Sabrina Marrero balances professional service with personal growth in the aviation maintenance field. As a Student Services Coordinator at the Aviation Institute of Maintenance she works long days helping future technicians overcome academic and personal challenges, ensuring they stay on track toward their FAA certifications. Once her shift ends she becomes a student herself, attending classes late into the evening which is a testament to her belief in skilled trades and her commitment to continuous improvement. Sabrina advocates fiercely for students: she intervenes when issues arise, provides emotional support after failed exams and even organized a small‑business fair so students with side hustles could showcase their skills and gain customers. Inspired by a Women in Aviation event, she decided to pursue a technical career and now exemplifies empathy, leadership and innovation. By uplifting others while advancing her own training, Sabrina is helping to shape the next generation of aviation technicians.
Emerging Tech

Caleb Marc

Future Technician
Lincoln Technical Institute
Union, NJ

Caleb Marc is an emerging‑technology student who approaches technical work with discipline, curiosity and collaboration. Currently maintaining a 3.9 GPA (93.7 percent) at Lincoln Tech in Union, New Jersey, he strives to understand new technologies at the systems level by studying fundamental principles and then exploring practical applications that transform everyday operations. Caleb is energized by the unknown: when a new technology emerges he dives into its design, limitations and potential, and shares those insights with his peers. He believes that success in modern trades requires teamwork, innovation and a relentless pursuit of insight and impact. Through his academic excellence and systems‑thinking mindset he is poised to contribute to breakthroughs in emerging technologies and inspire others to explore beyond the obvious.
HVAC, Home & Buildings

Dylan Matjazic

Future Technician
Universal Technical Institute
Canton, MI

Dylan Matjazic has already distinguished himself as a future leader in the HVAC field. At Universal Technical Institute he quickly mastered complex concepts, often working ahead of the curriculum and earning the trust of instructors. He regularly mentors classmates, explains difficult material and leads lab projects, helping his teams complete hands‑on assignments ahead of schedule. Eager to bridge classroom learning with industry practice, Dylan works for Downriver Refrigeration Supply, where he is learning parts logistics, customer service and supply‑chain operations; he has also tackled tasks such as replacing furnace casings with minimal supervision and recently earned his NATE certification. Beyond technical skills he brings a strong sales background that gives him a customer‑first mindset and is active in community charity events, including Cancer Support Community fundraisers. Having supported himself since shortly after high school, Dylan is resilient and forward‑thinking, he aspires to open his own HVAC dealership and is cultivating the leadership and technical expertise to make that dream a reality.
Automotive & Motorsports

David Borer

Working Technician
Reineke Family Dealerships
Findlay, OH

David Borer’s two‑decade career in automotive service is marked by technical mastery, competitive success and a commitment to developing others. A Ford Senior Master Technician and ASE Master Technician with L1 certification, he has reached the semifinals, runner‑up and champion positions at the US Auto Tech National Championship, placing in the top tier from 2021 to 2024 and inspiring peers nationwide. In 2024 he contributed to ASE exam development, and 2025 marks his twentieth year at the Senior Master level. David’s impact extends beyond the service bay: through Reineke Family Dealerships he partners with seven local high schools, career centers and colleges on a ten‑week work‑study program that introduces students to service, parts, detailing and body‑shop roles and often leads to employment. He serves on advisory boards, conducts career‑fair presentations and helps with ASE recertifications, all while creating training materials for automotive and collision programs. In his community he has spent fifteen years as a volunteer firefighter and actively supports the New Riegel Moose Lodge. He judges SkillsUSA competitions, represents the dealership at events and is always ready to lend a hand. David’s blend of technical excellence, mentorship and civic engagement make him an invaluable ambassador for the automotive trades.
Diesel

Cristian Trasandes

Working Technician
San Diego Miramar College
San Diego, Ca. 

Formerly with Hawthorne CAT, Cristian Trasandes has become a role model in the diesel industry through his dedication to teaching, service and self‑improvement. At school he leads groups of students through complex tasks such as rebuilding engines, transmissions and hydraulic systems, patiently ensuring they understand each step. He volunteers for campus events, stays after class to organize labs and freely shares his knowledge with anyone who needs help. Determined to grow, Cristian left a small shop to join the competitive Hawthorne Technician Apprentice Program, where he combines on‑the‑job training with advanced coursework and applies what he learns by mentoring peers. His commitment to community extends beyond the classroom: he helps his father build off‑road vehicles, supports coworkers regardless of gender and even gave up his own SkillsUSA competition slot so another student could shine. Known for his kindness, enthusiasm and tireless work ethic, Cristian is building a career defined by leadership, generosity and a love of learning.
Collision, Restoration & Welding

Jose Caballero-Vallejo

Working Technician
Team Toyota
Glen Mills, PA

Jose Caballero‑Vallejo stands out for his unwavering commitment to learning and service. During his time at Thaddeus Stevens College he consistently exceeded expectations, earning the program’s highest GPA while serving as a peer tutor who helped freshman students master collision repair techniques. Known for his humility and work ethic, he routinely stayed late to assist classmates and took on leadership roles within the program. Now a refinishing prep technician at a Toyota dealership, Jose applies the same grit and curiosity on the job. He is eager to master refinishing and plans to build a long‑term career teaching future technicians. Colleagues describe him as someone who always gives 100 percent and is driven to outwork any challenge. With his combination of technical excellence, mentorship and passion for continuous improvement, Jose exemplifies the next generation of collision professionals.
Aviation, Motorcycle & Marine

MIA JACKSON

Working Technician Hinckley Yachts Chesapeake Easton, MD
Mia Jackson is already making waves in the marine‑services industry. A 2025 graduate of The Landing School’s Marine Systems program and the only woman in her cohort, she navigated a male‑dominated field with humility and resilience, earning the respect of peers and instructors. She passed the ABYC Marine Systems Certification exam, was featured in ABYC’s International Marine Service Technician Week and was honored in Boating Industry magazine’s “Women Making Waves” issue. Mia led a complex engine‑repower project on a 28‑foot BHM lobster boat – replacing a carbureted gasoline engine with a modern Mercury V8, modifying the hull and installing custom systems, a testament to her systems thinking and attention to detail. She has since accepted a marine‑systems technician position at Hinckley Yachts in Maryland. At The Landing School she quietly grew from a reserved student to a confident leader, serving as the student speaker at graduation and advocating for diversity and inclusion at board meetings. With a background that spans automotive technology, diesel‑truck repair and boatyard work, and a childhood spent traveling the world as the daughter of a U.S. Naval commander, Mia brings depth, drive and a passion for marine electrical design to everything she does.
Emerging Technologies

Trevor Burgin

Working Technician
Pinnacle Career Institute
Kansas City, Mo.

Trevor Burgin exemplifies what it means to give back to the industry that launched his career. With more than a decade of hands‑on experience maintaining and troubleshooting wind turbines for Vestas and Mitsubishi, he understands the challenges faced by wind technicians. Today he serves as a lead Global Wind Organization trainer at Pinnacle Career Institute, certified to deliver Basic Safety, Technical, Advanced Rescue and Control of Hazardous Energy training as well as OSHA 30. Trevor uses his field experience to create realistic scenarios that bridge theory and practice, instilling professionalism and a safety‑first mindset so his students return home safely each night. He has mentored hundreds of current and future wind technicians, many of whom now work for top renewable‑energy companies, and is working toward the highest GWO teaching certification. By elevating training standards, modeling accountability and embracing continuous improvement, Trevor is raising the bar for the entire renewable‑energy workforce.
HVAC, Homes & Buildings

Bryan Baker

Working Technician Cool Breeze Heating & Air Ormond Beach, FL.
At just twenty‑six, Bryan Baker has emerged as a leader, problem‑solver and positive force in the HVAC industry. As a service technician he tackles complex calls with precision and has taken the lead on multiple large‑scale projects, drafting blueprints and process guides to ensure smooth execution. Beyond technical prowess, Bryan constantly looks for ways to improve company systems, trains his peers on new technologies and serves as a sounding board for management. His resilience is remarkable: after a hurricane destroyed his Florida home he focused on helping his neighbors recover rather than dwelling on his own loss, returning to work with gratitude and humility. Known for his calm demeanor, upbeat attitude and 50‑hour work weeks, he balances hard work with a zest for life, keeping a hammock and skateboard in his van for brief moments of relaxation. Bryan’s blend of technical excellence, innovative thinking and unwavering character makes him an ideal representative of the next generation of HVAC professionals.

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."
Tony Farr
Ford Technical Programs Manager