Many scholarship and grant programs are available to students pursuing a career as a diesel technician. Scholarships are available from colleges and professional automotive organizations. Some scholarships are available to students throughout the United States; others are limited to students attending specific institutions.
UTI Foundation Scholarships
The UTI Foundation offers annual scholarship money to students pursuing automotive careers, including two specifically for students pursuing a career as a diesel technician. The Daimler Trucks North America Bob Fyda Finish First Scholarship is available in the amount of $3,000 to those who agree to work for Daimler after graduating. The Knight Transportation Diesel Scholarship Program is available in the amount of $2,500. You may apply for both scholarships online by visiting the UTI Foundation website.
SEMA Scholarships
The Specialty Equipment Marketing Association offers scholarship assistance to diesel tech students through the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. Most SEMA scholarships are awarded in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $2,000. In addition, one $4,000 scholarship is awarded annually, as is one full-tuition scholarship to a student attending Ohio Technical College. To be eligible, students must be U.S. citizens, must already have graduated from high school at the time of application and must have a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5. The annual deadline for applications is April 1.
Association of Diesel Specialists
The Association of Diesel Specialists offers scholarship support to diesel tech students throughout the United States. ADS scholarships are awarded in amounts of up to $750. To be eligible, an applicant must be attending a TechSmart member school and must be sponsored by either a TechSmart instructor or a member of ADS. These scholarships are also supported by the Henry and Esther Ortner Educational Foundation.
School-Specific Scholarships
Many schools that offer degrees in diesel technology also offer scholarships to attending students. For example, Alexandria Technical and Community College in Minnesota offers several scholarships to future diesel technicians. Diesel Mechanics Program Scholarships are available in amounts ranging from $200 to $400. Willard Rubusch Memorial Scholarships are valued at $200 and available to second-year diesel tech students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The Diesel Ziegler and Caterpillar Foundation Scholarship is available in the amount of $500 to a diesel tech student with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Make sure to apply for all available institutional scholarships offered by your school.