SAN DIEGO — NAPA Auto Parts and WD-40 Brand are partnering with TechForce Foundation to offer $50,000 in scholarships aimed at bolstering a new generation of trade professionals.
"The automotive industry's future depends on the education and training of today's students," said Jamie Walton, executive vice president, merchandising at NAPA.
"This partnership with WD-40 Brand and the TechForce Foundation ensures we bring broader visibility and accessibility to technician careers."
WD-40 Brand and NAPA will award 40 scholarships over the next 12 months. Applicants must be enrolled in a post-secondary automotive, collision or diesel program.
As part of the partnership, NAPA will be offering WD-40 multi-use product at a discounted price through September.
"WD-40 Brand recognizes the critical role that the skilled trades play in driving America forward," said Erin Bala, vice president of U.S. marketing and Americas innovation at WD-40 Co.
"We are honored to join forces with NAPA in backing TechForce Foundation and its crucial mission to champion students to and through their education into careers as professional technicians."
TechForce is a national nonprofit that works with the transportation to support the technician profession, support students in obtaining the technical education needed to be workforce-ready, and connect students to resources, mentors and employers to thrive in their careers.
"This cross-sector partnership demonstrates the value of industry coming together to demonstrate its commitment to powering the next generation of technicians," TechForce CEO Jennifer Maher said.
"By combining their support, WD-40 Brand and NAPA will unlock a multiplier effect that will allow our organizations to inspire and support more students together than we ever could apart. TechForce looks forward to collaborating with our partners to connect even more students to technician careers in an industry that urgently needs their skills."
WD-40 offers lubricants, penetrants, greases, cleaners and degreasers, and rust-management solution.
NAPA distributes products to a network of nearly 6,000 auto parts stores and over 16,000 auto care and collision centers in the U.S.
