Ford Motor Co.’s philanthropic arm Ford Fund, along with a group of Ford dealers, is investing $2 million in scholarships to help students pursue careers as automotive technicians, the automaker announced Monday.
The Ford Auto Tech Scholarship fund is available to students seeking automotive technology degrees or certificates at 292 eligible schools in 20 states. The fund will grant up to 400 need-based awards to existing or future students enrolled in post-secondary automotive programs, providing $5,000 in financial assistance per student attending accredited schools.
The automaker and its dealers believe the scholarships will help attract the next generation of automotive technicians.
“As vehicles become more advanced, we need highly skilled technicians to maintain and service them,” Elena Ford, dealer engagement officer at Ford, said in a press release. “Partnering with our dealers to invest in these students helps create job opportunities, shapes the future of our communities, and drives growth in our industry.”
Ford, along with other automakers, wants to hire more skilled technicians to service vehicles equipped with technologically advanced software and computer-controlled systems, as well as hybrid and fully electric powertrains. The U.S. will need 400,000 new technicians by 2027, according to Ford.
However, the country faces a nationwide shortfall of 37,000 trained automotive technicians each year, according to the National Automobile Dealers Association, making it difficult for auto repair shops to replace workers as they change occupations or retire. Increasing the supply of qualified, entry-level technicians may help address the labor shortage.
To be eligible for the scholarships, students must attend schools in the following metro areas: Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Detroit, Kansas City, Missouri, Memphis, Tennessee, Miami and Seattle.
Grant recipients can use the funds to cover attendance costs such as tuition, tools, living expenses and transportation. Ford dealers will offer students advice, career guidance and training.
The TechForce Foundation, a Phoenix-based nonprofit for students pursuing careers as automotive technicians, will administer the scholarships. Applications are open from March 4 through Aug. 31.
The scholarships will be awarded on a rolling basis and will be reviewed when received, the automaker said.
