Five College of Western Idaho (CWI) Automotive Technology students are getting a boost toward their education and future careers after each received a $5,000 Ford Auto Tech Scholarship.
The scholarships, awarded through the Ford Auto Tech Scholarship program, are part of a national effort to address the need for skilled automotive technicians to join and stay in the industry. This marks the first time CWI students have received the scholarship. They join 800 aspiring automotive technicians across the United States receiving scholarships in 2026.
Representatives from Ford and Treasure Valley Ford dealerships joined students, faculty and industry partners at CWI on Wednesday, Sept. 30, to recognize the recipients and celebrate their achievement.
Each $5,000 scholarship can be used for more than tuition. Funding may also help students pay for tools, transportation, credentialing fees and other expenses associated with completing their education and entering the workforce.
For second-semester Automotive Technology student, Olivia Preston, the scholarship provides financial support to continue developing skills first learned while working on cars with a parent. That interest grew over time as Preston began working on personal vehicles, eventually leading to CWI to expand that knowledge through Automotive Technology.
“Life is hard, and I have a lot of other expenses to manage, so I don't have as much money to put toward the program,” Preston said. “Having this scholarship and that financial support really helps.”
Automotive Technology Department Chair, JohnD Thompson, saw the Ford Auto Tech Scholarship as an opportunity CWI students should take advantage of. Knowing that financial support can help students with the costs of completing their education, Thompson incorporated the scholarship application into classwork this year to make sure students knew about the opportunity and were encouraged to apply.
“Scholarships like this can make a real difference for our students by helping with the costs of completing their education and preparing to enter the workforce,” Thompson said. “Our relationships with Ford and local dealerships go beyond financial support. They connect students with mentors, industry experience and career opportunities that can help them succeed after graduation.”
Treasure Valley Ford dealerships supporting the scholarship effort include Lithia Ford of Boise, Kendall Ford of Meridian, and Corwin Ford of Nampa.
“This program is an investment in our customers and the people who will drive the future of our industry,” said Elena Ford, Ford Chief Dealer Engagement Officer. “Together with our dealers, we are creating educational opportunities that will make a lasting impact on the communities we serve.”
The scholarships come as demand for skilled automotive technicians continues nationwide and in Idaho. According to TechForce Foundation's 2026 Supply, Demand & Opportunity Report, the United States’ automotive industry will need more than 350,000 new technicians through 2029. In Idaho, Department of Labor occupational projections estimate an average of 546 openings each year for automotive service technicians and mechanics from 2024 to 2034, including new and replacement positions.
CWI is helping meet that workforce need by preparing students with hands-on experience using the tools, systems and technologies found in today’s automotive industry. Students train with high-voltage equipment, diesel emissions systems and electric and hybrid vehicles, helping prepare them to service the vehicles entering shops across Idaho.
“Our faculty and staff are always looking ahead at what is happening in the automotive industry and how we can prepare the workforce the Treasure Valley will need,” said Denise Aberle-Cannata, CWI Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “That is why CWI is here.”
Ford is supporting that workforce pipeline nationally through its investment in aspiring automotive technicians. In 2026, Ford Philanthropy and Ford Dealers are investing $4 million to support 800 students pursuing careers as automotive technicians. Since 2023, Ford and Ford Dealers have collectively invested $11 million to support 2,200 students across 46 states.
"We know that supporting the next generation of skilled workers requires looking at the entire student journey," said Mary Culler, President of Ford Philanthropy. "We want to help tackle the barriers that can keep students from getting to school, through school and into a meaningful career."
For CWI's five scholarship recipients, that investment provides additional support as they continue their education and prepare to enter Idaho's automotive workforce. It also shows that industry partners have confidence in the skills they are building and where their education can take them.
“Knowing they have faith in me to go out and succeed means a lot,” Preston said. “Having that trust and support motivates me to take what I am learning and put it to work.”
Learn more about CWI’s Automotive Technology program and how you can prepare for a career working with today’s automotive technology.
