TOPDON automotive technician scholarships

Build the skills.
Drive the future.

Four annual scholarships combine tuition support with professional-grade TOPDON tools—helping the next generation enter the shop ready for the road ahead.

Apply now Explore the awards

student using TOPDON Phoenix Max in classroom setting at UTI

$37Kawarded
annually

4annual scholarships

$37,000combined value

Tuition + toolssupport beyond the classroom

Julyawards distributed

Driving the future of automotive maintenance and repair

A pathway forward for tomorrow’s technicians.

The Techs of Tomorrow automotive scholarship offers financial assistance and the critical tools necessary for students seeking to build a rewarding career in the high-demand automotive technology field.

Whether you are a current student or want to become one, TOPDON’s Techs of Tomorrow scholarship is a pathway forward to help drive your education and training toward a fulfilling career as a professional automotive technician.

As demand for skilled professional technicians continues to grow, TOPDON is committed to supporting the next generation entering the automotive industry. Through multiple automotive technician scholarships, we help students prepare for rewarding careers in automotive technology while helping offset the cost of technical education.

Choose your stage

Three paths. One future.

TOPDON’s Techs of Tomorrow includes four automotive technician scholarships totaling $37,000 annually for students planning careers in the automotive field. Whether you are entering your first program, building momentum, or nearing graduation, there is an award designed for where you are now.

One award

Early Start

High school student, high school graduate, or first-year automotive technology student.

Total value$5,000

$3,000 tuition award
$2,000 TOPDON tools

Two awards

In Progress

Students currently enrolled in an accredited automotive technology school or training program.

Value per recipient$10,000

$5,000 tuition award
$5,000 TOPDON tools

One award

Almost There

Automotive technology student or equivalent who will graduate within 12 months.

Total value$12,000

$6,000 tuition award
$6,000 TOPDON tools

Know before you apply

Put your best application forward.

Review the eligibility and document checklist before opening the application. The form will open in a new browser tab so you can keep this page handy.

Eligibility

U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
At least 18 years of age, or will be 18 before beginning automotive technology coursework. Applicants under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian complete the consent section.
Minimum 2.5 GPA and good academic standing
Enrolled in or accepted to an accredited community college, junior college, college, university, or trade school
Pursuing an associate degree, certificate, or other automotive technology program that prepares students for careers as professional technicians
Demonstrated financial need, supported by a FAFSA Submission Summary or other approved documentation, if applicable

What to prepare

Completed online application
Proof of enrollment or acceptance showing your full name, school name, and current academic term or intended start term. Enrollment proof may be an official verification letter, current class schedule, official transcript showing enrollment, or school-issued certificate.
Academic transcripts
Two letters of recommendation from individuals who are not relatives or family members
2026–2027 FAFSA Submission Summary showing your Student Aid Index, or other approved documentation, if applicable. Redact your Social Security number and other sensitive personal information before uploading.
A video submission, if requested in the application

2026–2027 application cycle · 2027–2028 funded school year

Your road to an award.

1
Oct. 15, 2026–Feb. 28, 2027

Applications

Apply for the appropriate scholarship. Submit by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on February 28. One application per student.
2
March–April 2027

Review process

TOPDON completes an initial review of all application submissions.
3
May 2027

Committee selection

A professional committee and automotive industry leaders review the applications.
4
June 2027

Notification

Winners are selected and notified, and acceptance details are sent to recipients.
5
July 2027

Awards

Scholarship funds and TOPDON toolbox products are distributed directly to educational institutions for the 2027–2028 funded school year.

Technician at Shelby America using TOPDON Phoenix Max.

More than a check

Graduate ready for the shop floor.

A tuition award helps make training possible. A professional TOPDON toolbox helps recipients turn that training into confident, career-ready work.

Tuitionassistance

TOPDONtools

Scholarship selection committee

Guided by industry experience.

A cross-section of leaders from education, design, associations, parts, and tool organizations reviews applications and helps identify the next generation of automotive technicians.

George Arrants

Vice President ASE Education Foundation

Read bio

George Arrants leads national efforts connecting automotive education with employers to expand work-based learning and apprenticeship opportunities. Drawing on his ASE accreditation expertise, he helps schools strengthen programs, industry partnerships, and advisory committees.

Jose Escobar

Project Manager of Recognition Programs SEMA

Read bio

Jose Escobar leads recognition programs at SEMA that elevate people across the automotive aftermarket. His association and nonprofit experience supports initiatives in student engagement, volunteerism, and professional development.

Chip Foose

Owner Foose Design

Read bio

Chip Foose founded Foose Design in 1984 and established its Huntington Beach studio in 1999 after working with Boyd Coddington. The company specializes in automotive design, illustration, model making, surfacing, and complete vehicle construction.

Tony Frassetto

Director, Business Alliances University Technical Institute

Read bio

Tony Frassetto brings nearly 20 years of experience in motorsports, automotive marketing, and strategic partnerships. Since joining UTI in 2017, he has developed alliances with leading brands across the automotive and skilled trades industries.

Sheonny Harrell

Director, Integrated Marketing and Strategic Programs NAPA Auto Parts

Read bio

Sheonny Harrell is a strategic marketing leader who builds integrated programs connecting brands with customers, communities, and meaningful opportunities. Her experience spans digital marketing, communications, partnerships, brand development, and community engagement.

Justin Herald

Director of Marketing & eCommerce TOPDON USA

Read bio

Justin Herald has led TOPDON USA's marketing since 2022, overseeing ecommerce, digital marketing, public relations, and events that support brand awareness and sales growth. He brings more than 20 years of automotive-industry marketing experience, including leadership roles at NAPA Auto Parts.

Chad Schnitz

Vice President TOPDON USA

Read bio

Chad Schnitz has served as Vice President of TOPDON USA since 2021, leading team development, brand growth, pricing, marketing, and distributor expansion. A former technician and ASE Master Certified professional, he combines hands-on automotive experience with leadership across tools, equipment, training, and high-performance operations.

Aaron Shelby

Board Member Carroll Shelby International

Read bio

Aaron Shelby serves on the Board of Carroll Shelby International, the organization overseeing the Shelby entities. As a brand ambassador, he helps preserve the Shelby legacy and maintain the organization's relationship with Ford Motor Company.

Common questions

Everything you need to know.

Why does TOPDON offer automotive technician scholarships?

TOPDON created the Techs of Tomorrow scholarship program to support the next generation of automotive technicians through technical education, financial assistance, and professional-grade tools.

Who is eligible to apply?

Students who are currently enrolled in or planning to enroll in an accredited automotive trade school, technical college, or automotive training program may apply. Additional eligibility criteria are outlined above and in the application guidelines.

What programs qualify for the scholarship?

Eligible programs include automotive technology, automotive repair, heavy-duty and diesel technology, and other related skilled-trade programs.

What materials are required to apply?

Applicants should prepare a completed application, proof of enrollment or acceptance, their most recent academic transcript, and two letters of recommendation from individuals who are not relatives or family members. If applicable, upload the 2026–2027 FAFSA Submission Summary showing your Student Aid Index or other approved documentation. Redact your Social Security number and other sensitive personal information before uploading. Applicants under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian complete the consent section, including their contact information, acknowledgment, signature, printed name, and date. The application may also request a video submission.

Do I need a minimum GPA to apply?

Yes. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and be in good academic standing.

Can high school seniors apply?

Yes. High school seniors who have been accepted into an eligible automotive trade or technical program may apply, provided they meet all eligibility requirements. Applicants under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian complete the consent section and must turn 18 before beginning the automotive technology coursework supported by the award.

How are recipients selected?

Applications are evaluated based on academic achievement, career goals, commitment to the automotive industry, leadership, work experience, community involvement, and the quality of the responses provided in the application.

Can I apply if I am attending school part-time?

Yes. Part-time students pursuing careers in automotive technology are eligible for all scholarship types, provided they meet the program’s eligibility criteria.

How will scholarship funds be distributed?

Scholarship funds are sent directly to the recipient’s educational institution to help pay for tuition, fees, books, or other eligible educational expenses. TOPDON toolbox products are also shipped to the school where the student is enrolled.

Can previous recipients apply again?

Yes. Scholarship recipients may reapply in future scholarship cycles if they continue to meet eligibility requirements, unless otherwise stated in the scholarship rules.

When will recipients be notified?

Applicants will be notified of scholarship decisions during the June notification phase shown in the application schedule.

Is financial need considered?

Yes. Financial need is considered as part of the evaluation process, depending on the scholarship criteria.

Who can I contact if I have questions?

Questions about the scholarship or application process can be directed to the scholarship administrator at acook@tprm.com.

Applications open October 15, 2026

Ready to build what’s next?

Applications close February 28, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

Apply now Questions? acook@tprm.com

Apply now

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Build the skills.
Drive the future.

A pathway forward for tomorrow’s technicians.