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NHADA Launches $5,000 Scholarship for Aspiring Automotive Technicians

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. larship-for-aspiring-automotive-technicians.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Thursday, December 11th 2025 at 23:05 GMT by WMUR

NHADA Launches New Scholarship Program to Support Aspiring Automotive Technicians

The New Hampshire Automobile Dealers Association (NHADA) has unveiled an expanded scholarship program aimed at encouraging the next generation of automotive professionals. The initiative, detailed in a recent article on WMUR and linked to the association’s official scholarship portal, offers financial assistance to high‑school seniors, community‑college students, and vocational‑training attendees who are pursuing careers in automotive technology, mechanics, and related fields. The new program reflects NHADA’s long‑standing commitment to workforce development and underscores the vital role of the automotive sector in the state’s economy.

1. What the Scholarships Cover

According to NHADA’s scholarship page (https://www.nhad.com/scholarships), the program provides up to $5,000 per recipient for tuition, fees, and instructional materials at accredited automotive schools or technical colleges across New Hampshire. The funding is split into two main categories:

• High‑School Student Scholarship – $2,500 for students graduating in 2026 who have demonstrated academic excellence and a clear interest in automotive studies.
• College/Trade School Scholarship – $5,000 for enrolled students in automotive technology programs at community colleges, vocational schools, or technical institutes, with eligibility extending to those who have completed at least one semester of coursework.

The scholarship covers both conventional gasoline‑powered vehicle maintenance and the rapidly growing electric‑vehicle (EV) technologies, reflecting the industry’s transition toward sustainable mobility.

2. Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility requirements are designed to identify motivated, capable students who are likely to thrive in a technical environment. Applicants must:

1. Be a resident of New Hampshire or attend a school located within the state.
2. Be enrolled or accepted in a recognized automotive program at a local high school, community college, or technical institute.
3. Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) on a 4.0 scale, with a special consideration for students demonstrating improvement over the previous year.
4. Submit a personal essay (500–750 words) explaining why they wish to pursue a career in automotive technology and how the scholarship will help them achieve their goals.
5. Provide two letters of recommendation: one from a teacher or instructor and one from a supervisor or mentor in the automotive field, if applicable.
6. Show proof of enrollment or admission, including official transcripts.

The program is open to applicants from all backgrounds, and NHADA specifically encourages students from underrepresented communities to apply, citing the need for diversity in technical trade fields.

3. Application Process

The application process is streamlined and designed to reduce administrative burdens on students. The steps are:

1. Create an account on the NHADA scholarship portal.
2. Complete the online application form, entering personal data, academic records, and uploading required documents.
3. Write the personal essay within the portal, following the word limit guidelines.
4. Upload the recommendation letters in PDF format.
5. Submit proof of enrollment, which can be a scanned copy of a school ID, acceptance letter, or enrollment verification.

All submissions must be completed by the deadline of October 15, 2025. Late applications will not be considered, so students are encouraged to start early and double‑check document uploads.

The scholarship board, comprised of NHADA leadership, local dealership owners, and representatives from automotive educational institutions, will review applications on a rolling basis and announce winners in December.

4. Funding and Support

The scholarships are funded through a blend of industry contributions and a dedicated endowment established by NHADA in 2023. Major donors include the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, the National Automotive Technicians Association, and several regional automotive retailers. Each year, the association commits at least $30,000 toward the scholarship fund, ensuring sustainability and the potential for increasing award amounts in the future.

Additionally, NHADA partners with the New Hampshire Vocational and Technical Education Council (NHVTEC) to offer mentorship and internship opportunities for scholarship recipients. Successful applicants receive an invitation to a monthly networking event, where they can meet local dealers, technicians, and recruiters. The goal is to not only provide financial aid but also to create pathways into paid apprenticeships and entry‑level positions.

5. Community Impact and Industry Context

The automotive industry remains a cornerstone of New Hampshire’s economic landscape, with major employers such as Chrysler, General Motors, and various OEM suppliers employing thousands of residents. The state’s high‑tech manufacturing sector, including electric‑vehicle components, is expanding at a rate of 8% annually. NHADA’s scholarship initiative aligns with these growth trends by investing in a skilled workforce that can meet the evolving demands of the sector.

Industry leaders quoted in the article emphasize that these scholarships are an investment in the future of the state’s mobility infrastructure. “By supporting young talent now, we’re ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled technicians who can keep our vehicles—whether internal‑combustion or electric—running efficiently and safely,” said NHADA President Mark Ransom. He added that the scholarship program also serves as a “marketing platform” for dealers, allowing them to demonstrate corporate social responsibility while building goodwill among the next generation of customers.

Students who have benefited from previous iterations of the program share similar sentiments. A recent recipient, sophomore automotive technician student Jenna Lewis of Manchester, remarked, “The scholarship covers my tuition and a few essential tools. It gives me the confidence that I can focus on learning instead of worrying about how to pay for school.”

6. How to Stay Informed

For the most up‑to‑date information on application requirements, deadlines, and award announcements, applicants should regularly check the NHADA scholarship portal. The association also disseminates updates through its social media channels—Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn—as well as a monthly newsletter that highlights student success stories and industry developments.

The article on WMUR not only outlines the scholarship program but also links to the NHADA website and an external page for automotive educational resources (https://www.nhtech.org). By exploring these links, prospective applicants can gain a deeper understanding of the programs available at the local community college, the curriculum offered, and how these align with the scholarship’s focus areas.

Conclusion

NHADA’s new scholarship initiative represents a meaningful step toward securing New Hampshire’s future in automotive technology. By offering substantial financial aid, mentorship, and industry exposure to promising students, the association is not only nurturing individual careers but also strengthening the broader workforce that underpins the state’s transportation and manufacturing sectors. As the automotive landscape evolves—shifting toward electric and autonomous technologies—the investment in young talent becomes ever more critical. Interested students should act quickly to prepare their applications, ensuring they meet all eligibility criteria and submit their materials before the October 15 deadline. With a clear vision, robust funding, and strong community partnerships, the NHADA scholarship program promises to deliver real, lasting impact for both students and the industry at large.