Each year, millions of dollars are available to help students cover the cost of education. Sadly, millions of dollars are also left on the table for lack of students applying for what amounts to free money. For those interested in a career as an automotive technician, there are several scholarships which not only help cover tuition, they can also provide the tools necessary to get started. But along with the tools and training, CTE students also need mentorship from other professionals to get them heading in the right direction for success. In this episode, we’ll talk with two individuals who are making a difference in the lives of aspiring automotive professionals by providing all of the above.

Steve Johnson, a popular and successful motorcycle drag racer, started the B.A.T.- Man (or Woman) scholarship in 2023. This Be A Technician scholarship awards tools and what Steve calls free money to students in CTE programs across the country. Before making the scholarship award, Steve gives a presentation entitled “Marketing Your Brand After the Diploma” to all students in the CTE programs he visits to encourage students to identify their passions and seek out the resources to build a career path around doing what they love, similar to what Steve has done in his racing career.

April Lausch is the manager of Faulkner Collision in Lancaster, PA who shares the value of getting involved with your local CTE program to find the technical talent that is necessary for success. She also has a mentoring program for several local students looking for a career in collision repair that has already produced what April calls “rock stars” for Faulkner.

Hear all about it as we talk with April and Steve about:

· Thinking outside the box to engage students for the industry.

· How April found and used the scholarship opportunities available to help two students working in her shop.

· Why scholarships are Free Money.

· Steve’s background in NHRA Racing and how he uses it to reach out educators and promote the scholarships available.

· What the Be A Technician scholarship is and how it works.

· April’s work as the manager of Faulkner Collision in Lancaster, and her involvement in many advisory boards.

· Steve’s student presentation on promoting their personal brand.

· Why it’s important for industry to support CTE education.

· April’s mentor program for entry-level technicians.

· The different paths to success.

· For more information on the B.A.T – Man (or Woman) Scholarship, visit the website at www.stevejohnsonracing.com/scholarships.

· The importance of instructors in the process and getting involved with your local CTE program.

For more information on ASE and automotive careers, visit the website at www.ase.com