Empire Auto Parts announces 2025 scholarship recipients

Administered with the TechForce Foundation, each student received $2,000 to help fund their technical education in the collision industry

Totowa, N.J.—Empire Auto Parts, a distributor of aftermarket collision parts, has announced Erika S. and James B. as the 2025 recipients of its Empire Auto Parts Scholarship, administered in partnership with the TechForce Foundation. Each student received a $2,000 scholarship to help fund their technical education and career development in the collision repair industry.

Erika S. is a dedicated student, single mother, and aspiring entrepreneur pursuing a career in collision repair. Her passion for the trade is rooted in her dream to one day open a custom detailing business that she and her son can run together, showcasing their work at major car shows such as The SEMA Show. Erika’s dedication to her studies and her future in the collision repair industry reflects her strong work ethic and determination to succeed.

“The Empire Auto Parts Scholarship allows me to focus on learning my craft without the stress of tuition,” Erika said. “It brings me one step closer to my goal of building a business and future I can share with my son.”

Before pursuing her technical training, Erika earned a bachelor’s degree in ministry and gained professional experience in both event management and lab operations. Her story is one of perseverance, turning challenges into opportunity and settling a powerful example for other working parents pursing technical careers.

James B. discovered his love for collision repair at an early age while restoring cars alongside his father. “I’ve always had an artist’s mentality,” he said. “I love taking something undesirable and turning it into something beautiful.” That creative spark inspired him to study automotive restoration, where he hopes to combine craftsmanship and innovation to help bring classic cars back to life.

The Empire Auto Parts Scholarship supports James as he continues developing his skills and building a foundation for his future career. Through internships and classroom experience, he’s already gaining hands-on skills and confidence for a future career in the industry. “Empire Auto Parts is honored to support students like Erika and James who are shaping the next generation of skilled technicians,” said Dale Sailer, VP of Business Development at Empire Auto Parts. “Both recipients embody the passion, perseverance, and purpose that make this industry so special. Investing in their growth not only strengthens their futures but also helps ensure the continued vitality of the collision repair field.”

The Empire Auto Parts Scholarship is part of a multi-year financial commitment supporting TechForce Foundation’s mission to champion students to and through their technical education. In addition to its scholarship funding, Empire donates automotive parts to schools participating in TechForce skill development programs across the country. Empire looks forward to continuing this commitment by supporting the next class of aspiring technicians in the year ahead.

“TechForce is proud to partner with Empire Auto Parts in empowering future collision repair professionals,” said Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce Foundation. “Their investment in students like Erika and James reflects exactly what this industry needs, real support for the next generation of skilled technicians.