Federal-Mogul Motorparts has announced the recipients of 12 $2,500 tuition scholarships on behalf of its Garage Gurus technical education network, presented to students enrolled in accredited post-secondary automotive technology schools.

This is the fourth consecutive year for this program, and during this time, the company has handed out $120,000 in tuition support to future automotive service professionals.

“The main goal of the Garage Gurus scholarship program has remained the same since its introduction – to encourage and support the next generation of automotive and truck repair service professionals as they pursue their careers,” said Brent Berman, director, training and consumer experience, Federal-Mogul Motorparts. “These scholarships often serve as motivation to these men and women to fully engage in their training to become knowledgeable and active technicians in the future.”

Students who will receive Garage Gurus scholarships for the 2018-2019 academic year are:

• John Hartman, Lima, Ohio, University of Northwestern Ohio

• Jessica Jahuey, Sugar Hill, Ga., Gwinnett Technical College (Lawrenceville Campus)

• Holly Pierre, Planfield, Ill., Southern Illinois University of Carbondale

• Madison Lusche, Columbus, Neb., Southeast Community College

• Jaivon Bennett, Waldorf, Md., Old Dominion University

• Miguel (Mike) Perez, Rifle, Colo., New Mexico Junior College

• Emily Koch, Warren, Mich., Lincoln College of Technology

• Joseph Waldeyer, Manasquan, N.J., Pennsylvania College of Technology

• Kimberly Rains, Horse Shoe, N.C., Blue Ridge Community College

• Mary Griswold, Eau Claire, Wis., Chippewa Valley Technical College

• Kyle Sadler, Mont Belvieu, Texas, San Jacinto College

• Stetson Wolfe, New Castle, Pa., New Castle School of Trades

“I’ve always been empowered by the idea that if my car needs service, I’m able to fix it myself.  This scholarship will really help me out with pursuing my dream of being a diesel technician and, eventually, owning my own shop,” said recipient Kimberly Raines, who is currently enrolled at Blue Ridge Community College.

Fellow scholarship winner Miguel (Mike) Perez, who is studying to become a technician at New Mexico Junior College, added: “I entered the contest hoping that someone would pay attention to my story and help me finish college.  My hope is to receive all my certifications and then become an expert in electrical, and this scholarship will go a long way to aiding me in achieving this goal.”

Automotive service is one of several skilled trades facing a shortage of incoming professionals needed to address business growth and worker retirement. To meet this continuing need throughout the industry, the Garage Gurus scholarship program was established in 2015 to serve as an investment in the future of local automotive service businesses and their employees, and specifically to the next generation of talented, highly trained professionals who will help keep millions of vehicles in road-ready condition.