New grant opportunity launches for high school auto programs

The “Tools for Tomorrow’s Technicians” program help schools address critical needs for tools and equipment in today’s classrooms

Bethesda, Md.—The Auto Care Association’s Tool and Equipment community has announced the launch of a new grant opportunity designed to support high school automotive vocational programs.

The “Tools for Tomorrow’s Technicians” vocational grant program aims to help high schools in the U.S. address their critical needs for tools and equipment in today’s classrooms.

Through this initiative, high school classroom instructors and program leaders are encouraged to share their program’s story and to outline challenges related to outdated tools or limited resources.

Grant submissions will be accepted now through Aug. 31. Following the submission period, the Tool and Equipment community will review requests and determine which needs and grant opportunities can be fulfilled, with decisions finalized by Sept. 30.

High school automotive instructors can submit their program information and needs through the online survey available here.

“The Auto Care Association’s Tool and Equipment Community recognizes how important it is to address the current technician workforce shortage in our industry today,” said Joe Sabo, chair, Tool and Equipment community, Auto Care Association.

“That’s why we — as well as our valued members—are focused on attracting, retaining and growing the next generation of automotive technicians. We hope this new Tool and Equipment vocational grant will help our vocational career schools and colleges better prepare these students for those careers.”

Submissions will help industry professionals to better understand current classroom needs and to identify opportunities where tools, equipment or other support can make a meaningful impact on student learning and workforce readiness.