Auto Tech Student 1 – Mustafa Alhefady & Keiry Perez-ruiz, 2025 Varsity Ford Ann Arbor, MI 1
By 2028, the United States could be short nearly 400,000 automotive technicians a gap that threatens to disrupt everything from routine car repairs to the rapid evolution of electric and autonomous vehicles. Despite the critical nature of the profession and its strong earning potential with experienced technicians often making over $100,000 annually young people are turning away from these hands-on careers in droves.
However, Ford Philanthropy, in partnership with Ford’s expansive network of nearly 3,000 U.S. dealers, is working to change that narrative and they’re doubling down in 2025 with a groundbreaking investment in future talent.
The automotive technology talent shortage has been brewing for years, accelerated by several factors: the retirement of seasoned technicians, lingering stigma around skilled trades, and rapid technological advancements that require increasingly sophisticated training. According to the TechForce Foundation, a national nonprofit focused on supporting students in technical careers, the industry has faced a persistent technician shortfall for the past five years.
In 2023, Ford Philanthropy, the charitable arm of Ford Motor Company, launched the Auto Tech Scholarship program, a targeted effort designed to bridge this widening gap. What began as a $1 million pilot investment has rapidly expanded into a $4 million program in 2025 a reflection of both the urgency of the problem and the early success of the initiative.
What sets the Ford Auto Tech Scholarship apart is its uniquely collaborative funding model. Participating Ford dealers directly invest in the program, and Ford Philanthropy matches every dealer dollar doubling the financial impact. In 2024, the program expanded to 45 states and supported students at nearly 1,000 technical schools and colleges across the country.
The program’s goal is clear: make automotive technology education more accessible and affordable, so talented, motivated students can pursue this rewarding career path without being burdened by crushing debt.
Auto Tech Student 4 – Keiry Perez-ruiz, 2025 Varsity Ford Ann Arbor, MI
Elena Ford, Chief Dealer Engagement Officer at Ford says this program is an investment in the customers and the people who will drive the future of the industry.
“Together with our dealers, we are creating educational opportunities that will make a lasting impact on the communities we serve,” Ford said.
The $5,000 scholarships offered through the Ford Auto Tech Scholarship are more than just tuition assistance. Students can also use the funds for essential life expenses like transportation, childcare, tools, and other costs that are often overlooked in traditional financial aid packages.
Alex Shelton, Ford Philanthropy education portfolio manager highlighted the scholarships offer a comprehensive support system
“Our aim is to relieve some of the financial barriers that often prevent talented individuals from pursuing their dreams,” Shelton said.
This holistic approach addresses one of the biggest challenges facing students pursuing technical education. Many come from working-class backgrounds and juggle jobs, family responsibilities, and other financial pressures alongside their coursework. By easing these burdens, Ford Philanthropy and its dealer partners are making the dream of a stable, well-paying automotive career a reality for hundreds of students each year.
For Mustafa Alhefady, a recent scholarship recipient, the financial support was life-changing.
“It’s been very freeing,” Alhefady said.
“It gives me that drive to keep going to school and get good grades. It makes me excited to keep moving my career forward.”
Alhefady is one of 800 students receiving scholarships in 2025. Like many of his classmates, he had once doubted whether he could afford to complete his technical training. But the scholarship provided both financial relief and a sense of confidence that someone believed in his future.
It’s essential to address outdated perceptions in the field of technical education. Many students and their parents still see it as a backup option instead of a primary career choice. However, as vehicles become more complex and reliant on technology, the demand for highly skilled technicians is rapidly increasing.
Today’s automotive technicians are no longer just mechanics; they are diagnostic experts, software troubleshooters, and technological specialists. Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), electric powertrains, and connected vehicle platforms necessitate a combination of mechanical knowledge and digital skills.
This evolving skillset contributes to the field’s strong earning potential but it also means training programs must evolve rapidly to keep pace with industry demands.
The Ford Auto Tech Scholarship is part of a larger, national conversation about the future of work and the importance of investing in skilled trades. As the U.S. grapples with ongoing workforce shortages in fields like construction, manufacturing, and automotive repair, companies like Ford are stepping up to create solutions that benefit both their business and the broader economy.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $47,770 in 2024, but technicians with advanced certifications and specialized skills can easily surpass $100,000. Yet, enrollment in automotive technology programs has declined 20% over the past five years, according to TechForce.
This growing gap between demand and supply is what makes the Ford Auto Tech Scholarship so vital not just for the students who benefit directly, but for communities that rely on well-trained technicians to keep vehicles safe, efficient, and on the road.
With the program now accepting applications for the 2025 academic year, students with a passion for problem-solving, technology, and hands-on work are encouraged to apply. The scholarships are available to students attending accredited auto technology programs, with a simple online application process managed by TechForce Foundation.
For students like Alhefady and the thousands more who will follow in his footsteps the Ford Auto Tech Scholarship isn’t just financial aid. It’s a vote of confidence, a career springboard, and a sign that the future of automotive technology is bright, inclusive, and full of opportunity.
Last year Ford Dealers and the Ford Fund invested $2M to train future auto techs, Jennifer Maher, Chief Executive Officer of TechForce Foundation highlighted every technician plays a vital role in moving communities forward.
“In order to solve the shortage of technicians the transportation industry currently faces, and because diversity drives innovation, we need to make the field more accessible for people of all backgrounds,” Maher said.
“By partnering with Ford Dealers and Ford Fund to remove barriers to entry and increase greater economic mobility, we pave the way for more communities to thrive.”
For more information or to apply, visit TechForce.org/FordScholarships.
Amber Ogden, a native of Detroit, is an experienced journalist with investigative reporting, feature writing, and multimedia storytelling skills. She covers various topics related to the Black community, from human interest stories to racial injustices to community happenings. Amber is currently a staff writer and can be reached via email at aogden@michronicle.com.
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