Raleigh, North Carolina — In an effort to pave the way for the next generation of collision repairers, Advance Auto Parts has agreed to a $250,000 commitment to provide equipment for Wake Tech Community College’s automotive programs.
In the company’s press release, Advance said that they tapped into partnerships with Communities In Schools, Juntos (NC State) and the North Carolina Society of Hispanic Professionals, in order to better apply the funding to the promotion of automotive trades within diverse populations.
Advance said that this partnership “will help 25 students enrolling in the program over the next five years by funding $5,000 scholarships for each student to offset educational and living expenses and a one-time, $600 stipend to purchase tools scholarship recipients need to complete their studies and start their careers.”
“At Advance, we understand the value of having an industry that reflects the diversity of the customers it serves,” said Advance CEO and president Tom Greco.
“By providing resources and support to Wake Tech and its new Hendrick Center, we hope to inspire students from all backgrounds and experiences to explore careers in automotive service and repair, which will help address the technician shortage and benefit our industry and society as a whole.”
This commitment from Advance Auto Parts will come in part from the company’s philanthropic arm, the Advance Auto Parts Foundation, with a contribution of $200,000, while the retail arm of the business will cover the remaining $50,000.
For more information, visit Wake Tech Community College’s website.
