Ford Philanthropy and Dealers Invest $4 Million in Technician Scholarships to Address Workforce Shortage
Ford Philanthropy, in collaboration with Ford Dealers, has announced a $4 million investment in its automotive technician scholarship program. This initiative aims to tackle the nationwide shortage of skilled workers in the automotive industry by providing $5,000 scholarships to 800 students across the U.S., including those in West Tennessee.
Addressing the Growing Demand for Automotive Technicians
The investment comes as Ford projects a demand for 471,000 automotive technicians by 2028, a gap that would leave three open positions for every graduating technician. As vehicles become increasingly advanced and technology-driven, the need for skilled automotive service professionals is more critical than ever. The scholarships—available through TechForce.org until September—are part of Ford’s long-term commitment to strengthening the workforce and equipping its dealerships with the resources needed to service next-generation vehicles.
Expanding Workforce Development Efforts
This latest commitment builds on previous investments in education and workforce training. In March 2024, Ford Philanthropy, previously known as Ford Fund, pledged $2 million in scholarships across 10 U.S. regions. Prior to that, in 2023, Ford and its dealers contributed $1 million toward similar scholarship initiatives.
Beyond scholarships, Ford’s workforce development strategy extends further. In January 2025, the company introduced its Good Neighbor Plan, a $9 million community investment initiative focused on:
- Workforce training
- Community building
- Environmental sustainability
The program supports communities surrounding Ford’s $5.6 billion BlueOval City campus in Haywood County, Tennessee, where the company plans to produce a new EV truck model in 2027.
Ford’s $30 Million Commitment to West Tennessee
With a total investment of $30 million in West Tennessee to date, Ford is solidifying its role as a leader in both automotive innovation and workforce development. By investing in scholarships and workforce training programs, Ford is ensuring that the industry has the skilled professionals required to drive the future of mobility and support the growing demand for electric and advanced vehicles.
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