Ford Motor Company Fund, joins Ford dealers across four U.S. regions – Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, and Phoenix. They will provide $1 million in scholarship funding to help students pursue careers as automotive technicians. Ford $1 Million Scholarship.

The auto industry faces a technician shortage due to fewer students entering and graduating from post-secondary programs. Despite annual demand for 258,000 new technicians, there are only 48,000 graduates each year nationwide. The gap is likely to widen over the next decade. There are projected growth rates of 14% in Arizona, 10% in Texas, 7% in Georgia and 3% in Illinois respectively.

“As we move toward an electrified future, these career opportunities are exciting and require skilled technicians who are proficient in STEM-related study,” said Elena Ford, Chief Customer Experience Officer. “Working together with the Ford Fund and our dealers to offer this scholarship program means we will welcome a new generation of diverse students to the industry… to help us better serve our customers.”

FORD $1 MILLION SCHOLARSHIP

The Ford Auto Tech Scholarship is open to students who are enrolled in post-secondary auto or auto and diesel technician training programs in the Greater Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Phoenix areas. This need-based scholarship is applied to a student’s school tuition account. In addition, it may be used for all cost of attendance, including tuition, tools, living expenses, and transportation.

“These scholarships will go a long way in engaging students… to consider careers in automotive technology and service. We’re excited about working with the Ford Fund and Ford Dealer partners to help create a path to careers students may not have considered before.”
— Jennifer Maher, CEO, TechForce Foundation

TechForce Foundation, a national nonprofit, will administer scholarships to support students’ education and careers as professional technicians. Ford is proud to partner with TechForce given their deep understanding and expertise of the essential skills required to build a pipeline of auto technicians.

This program supports Ford’s mission to prepare, empower and grow the future workforce. Hence, it will prepare for an electrified future including:

• A focus on STEM-based curriculum in combination with hands-on learning
• Reaching students early and reinforcing the opportunities available for upward professional and economic advancement
• Collaboration with dealers through their involvement in participating schools, career fairs, shadowing days, mentoring, and internships
• For more information and to apply for the Ford Auto Tech Scholarship opportunity students can visit www.TechForce.org/FordFund.

Applications are due by June 30, 2023. All applicants will be notified of the results throughout the spring and summer.

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