The Bosch Community Fund, along with the Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Business Division, has established a $100,000 fund for the University of the Aftermarket Foundation to provide approximately 25 automotive scholarships each year over a three-year period. The fund is an important element in Bosch’s comprehensive strategy to help equip the automotive workforce of the future in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math or STEM education. Students enrolled in accredited automotive, heavy-duty or diesel programs, beginning in the 2015 school year, are eligible to apply for the scholarships.
The Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Business Division, composed of the Bosch Automotive Aftermarket and Bosch Automotive Service Solutions business units, has built relationships with a variety of technical schools. As part of these relationships, Bosch provides advice and counsel on curricula; encourages mentorships and apprenticeships; and donates a variety of diagnostic tools and automotive aftermarket products to support schools in their educational efforts. These efforts are part of a comprehensive initiative known as the Bosch Educational Services Program.
“The scholarship fund is a strong statement to the long-term commitment that Bosch has for supporting STEM education,” said Rusty Bishop, chairman, University of the Aftermarket Foundation. “Students who have a passion for automotive technology will benefit greatly from these scholarships and, for some, it may make the difference in their being able to pursue a career in this area. The scholarships clearly have the potential to be life-changing.”
According to Odd Joergenrud, regional president, Bosch Automotive Aftermarket North America, the scholarship fund is an investment in the future. “The future of the automotive industry depends on equipping new talent to fill a wide array of positions, including automotive technicians. As the No. 1 global OEM and aftermarket company for both domestic and imports, Bosch is actively involved in developing a variety of powertrains, including gasoline, diesel and hybrids. We naturally want to encourage students to pursue automotive technology careers.”
According to Rich Wolf, regional president, Bosch Automotive Service Solutions, “Today’s master technician addresses vehicle needs that would have required an engineering degree in the past. As automotive technology becomes increasingly sophisticated, vehicles require more in-depth diagnostic techniques, tools, equipment and knowledge. The career opportunities for automotive technicians will continue to expand accordingly.”
Students can apply for the Bosch Automotive scholarship beginning Sept. 15, 2014, through March 31, 2015, for the 2015 school year. Information and applications are available at automotivescholarships.com or by contacting Michael Loth, project manager of training, Bosch Automotive Service Solutions, at [email protected].