PHOENIX — The TechForce Foundation's mission to promote careers in the automotive aftermarket has been receiving increased support and participation so far this year, according to the group's mid-year report.
The foundation has been building a connection between high school students interested in automotive careers and companies struggling to find trained technicians. The nonprofit provides scholarships, job listings and other tools to encourage an interest in automotive careers.
During the first half of 2024, TechForce said it saw an increase in the number of students, working techs and school staff using its online career platform.
The foundation plans to enhance users' ability to find apprenticeships, student jobs while in school, instructor jobs, as well as technician jobs.
Other activities and accomplishments for the first half include:
- The 2024 Techs Rock awards netted the highest unique vote count in its history and distribution of a record $30,000 in prizes. The national winners were Misael Rodriguez, an automotive student attending Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis, as the "Future Tech," and Dustin Thomas of CarMax Inc., as the "Working Tech."
- The foundation is at 55.4% of its annual revenue goal, receiving a $500,000 grant from Christian Brothers Automotive, a $100,000 grant from the Cummins Foundation and $2.2 million from the Ford Philanthropy and 10 Ford dealer associations across the country.
- The Annual Support Campaign surpassed its $25,000 goal, raising $46,991 through donations from more than 111 donors. This campaign aims to broaden TechForce's donor base and welcoming thousands of individuals, each giving small amounts, that collectively demonstrate support for the cause of technical education and the skilled trades, the foundation said.
- By the end of May, TechForce had distributed 583 awards totaling $2.08 million in scholarships and grants. The organization has budgeted to offer more than $4 million in awards by year-end, doubling its 2023 outlay.
- During the first half, TechForce invited 427 students to TechForce-hosted events at Mecum Auction, Barrett-Jackson and, in collaboration with Accer8, Formula Drift. TechForce receives donated tickets to bring tech students to venues where they get to see auto/diesel/motorsports technology and meet mentors, employers and TechForce ambassadors.
- TechForce has developed 1,114 school partnerships to encourage vehicle technology career paths.
- About 40,740 users are accessing TechForce's online career hub, a 43% jump over 2023. "We attribute this success to physical school visits to conduct 'in-the-moment' student sign-ons, Techs Rock Awards, Grab the Wheel promotions, Ford Philanthropy scholarships, a MEGAMOD Contest with Gearwrench and outreach marketing," the foundation said.
- The foundation said it has seen significant growth and engagement across its digital channels, noting that social media platforms have expanded its audience. "We are focused on enhancing our website and seeing tremendous success with role-based pages (students and school staff) and a new home page." The metrics include: 79,201 unique users on its website; 2,850 Facebook followers; 2,251 Instagram followers; 1,722 LinkedIn followers; and 2,810 YouTube followers.
As a nonprofit organization, TechForce Foundation is funded solely by contributions from individuals, foundations, corporations and small businesses.
