NAPA to Empower Young Talent and Support SkillsUSA Transportation Students with New Scholarship Program

Media Contacts

SkillsUSA:
Jane Short or Karen Kitzel, 703-777-8810
Email: jshort@skillsusa.org or kkitzel@skillsusa.org

A total of $20,000 in Scholarships to be Awarded  

Leesburg, Va., Feb. 10, 2025 — SkillsUSA, the #1 workforce development organization for students, and NAPA, America’s largest network of parts and care, today announced a new scholarship program to support the next generation of skilled professionals. Skilled technicians play a vital role in keeping our communities moving, but there is currently a national shortage of professionals in these roles. Together, SkillsUSA and NAPA aim to set students up for success and fuel the pipeline for the next generation of technicians.

This scholarship represents NAPA and SkillsUSA’s unwavering commitment to empowering young talent and shaping the future of the industry, with a focus on students in the transportation repair pathway who demonstrate a commitment to learning.

“There is a critical need for more students in transportation repair pathways to fill essential jobs. These scholarships will help address this issue and pave the way for future technicians,” said Chelle Travis, Executive Director at SkillsUSA. “We are grateful to NAPA for providing these scholarships to our students as we work together to close the skills gap.”

NAPA will award eight $2,500 scholarships in 2025 to SkillsUSA students continuing their college or post-secondary education in the transportation pathway. To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must be:

• A registered member of SkillsUSA
• A high school senior or current college/post-secondary student expecting a tuition bill or documented direct post-secondary educational costs for the Fall 2025 academic term (tools, personal protective equipment (PPE), on-campus or housing bill)
• Continuing their college/post-secondary education or training in Automotive Repair and Service, Collision Repair, Diesel Repair or as a Motorsports Technician

“NAPA is proud to partner with SkillsUSA to support the next generation of transportation repair professionals,” said Emily Schneider, Senior Director of Marketing at NAPA. “Recognizing the importance of educating aspiring technicians, this partnership with SkillsUSA allows us to provide prospective talent with the resources they need to pursue a career as a technician.”

The NAPA scholarship will open February 1, 2025 and close June 30, 2025.  For more information, visit: www.skillsusa.org/recognition/scholarships-and-grants/.

About SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is the #1 workforce development organization for students, empowering them to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. SkillsUSA represents more than 413,000 career and technical education students and teachers in middle schools, high schools and college/postsecondary institutions nationwide. Those members represent 130 in-demand occupational areas, from 3-D animation to welding. A vital solution to the skills gap, SkillsUSA has served over 15 million members since its founding in 1965. Learn more at skillsusa.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

About NAPA

Through nearly 6,000 auto parts stores and over 16,000 auto care and collision centers in the U.S., NAPA has America’s largest network of parts and care. The NAPA Network is supported by nationwide distribution centers with approximately 800,000 available parts, accessories and supplies. Widely recognized for quality parts, rapid availability and knowledgeable people, NAPA Auto Parts stores serve automotive service professionals, do-it-yourselfers and everyday drivers with quality parts, accessories and supplies to keep cars, trucks and equipment performing safely and efficiently. For more information, visit www.napaonline.com.