Women in Auto Care Breaks Records: $448,745 in Scholarships Awarded

Women in Auto Care Achieves Record Success in Scholarships

The Women in Auto Care (WiAC) organization has once again highlighted its commitment to supporting women in the automotive industry by awarding a remarkable $448,745 in scholarships and tool kits for the year 2025. This achievement marks the sixth consecutive year of record-breaking amounts allocated to female students pursuing careers in automotive care and maintenance. Since 2004, the organization has awarded nearly $2.5 million to empower women through financial assistance and essential tools for their future careers.

Support from Generous Sponsors Fuels Growth

This impressive milestone has been made possible thanks to the generosity of 55 sponsors who believe in expanding opportunities for women in the field. Notable contributions include:

• Garage Gurus: $35,000 annually for the past six years, a steadfast supporter of the program.
• NAPA Carlyle Tools: A cornerstone of the Tool Kit program for five years, ensuring each recipient has crucial tools to kickstart their careers.
• Dorman: Contributing $10,000 annually to promote women in auto repair.
• Synchrony Car Care: A new partner for 2025, contributing $25,000 to support aspiring technicians.
• Repair Pal: Celebrating its partnership with a $4,000 contribution for the year.

Additional support from tool and chemical manufacturers has significantly enhanced the program's offerings, creating comprehensive tool kits that provide much-needed resources for success in the automotive aftermarket. These collaborative efforts illustrate the industry’s commitment to diversity and empowerment.

Who Are the 2025 Scholarship Recipients?

In total, the Women in Auto Care awarded scholarships and tool kits to 82 outstanding young women. Here are a few of this year's scholarship recipients:

• Garage Gurus Scholarship Recipients: Aaliyah Ayling, Journey Fullingim, Zoey McElveen, and Jackeline Reyes-Rodas.
• Synchrony Car Care Recipients: Rebekkah Cunningham, Nicole Pasterski, and Alexia Valdez.
• Dorman Scholarship Recipient: Anabel Lopez.
• Repair Pal Scholarship Recipient: Piper Wright.

In addition to the financial support, all scholarship recipients received an industry swag box filled with aftermarket products and a heartfelt card, welcoming them into the automotive community.

Industry Voices on the Importance of the Program

Leaders in the automotive sector are vocal about the significance of supporting women in the industry. Joe Saba, the senior product manager at NAPA, expressed pride in partnering with the Women in Auto Care, stating:

“We share in the Auto Care Association’s mission to advocate for the automotive aftermarket. Congratulations to every scholarship recipient; we look forward to seeing you shine in your careers.”

This encouragement plays a vital role in inspiring the next generation of automotive technicians and entrepreneurs.

Creating a Bright Future for Women in the Automotive Industry

The continual rise in scholarship awards reflects a larger trend to include women in automotive roles, traditionally dominated by men. This increased visibility not only offers practical support but also symbolizes a shift toward inclusivity in a pivotal industry. As educational and career opportunities grow, potential future technicians are motivated to enter a field often seen as insular.

Women interested in pursuing careers in auto repair and automotive maintenance should consider applying for scholarships like those offered by Women in Auto Care, which significantly lower the financial barriers to entry and promote new pathways to success.

Conclusion: The Way Forward

In conclusion, the Women in Auto Care scholarship program demonstrates a thoughtful and sustainable approach to not only supporting present recipients but also investing in the future of the automotive industry. As the industry evolves, initiatives like this will be critical in nurturing talent, fostering diversity, and ensuring a robust community of skilled women in auto repair and maintenance.

To learn more about the Women in Auto Care community and the scholarships available, visit autocare.org/women-in-auto-care.