5 Foster Youth Finding Purpose Through Automotive Technology Programs

Every young person deserves the chance to build a future doing what they love. For five inspiring students who received the American Industries Scholarship or the BrandSource scholarship last year, that dream is taking shape through their enrollment in an automotive technology program. Each of them has overcome adversity, including time in foster care, and is now working toward careers in the skilled trades.

Joshua – East Valley Institute of Technology

Joshua has been drawn to cars since he was 12. “Working on cars has always brought me peace because it’s where I can focus and feel in control,” he shares. Despite a challenging foster care journey and managing ADHD, Joshua is finishing his training and recently shadowed a technician at a Mazda dealership. He’s on track to earn his certifications and dreams of opening his own repair shop one day.

  Ethan – College of the Sequoias

After experiencing housing insecurity and hunger, Ethan taught himself how to survive. When he bought his first car at 19, fixing it sparked a passion for automotive repair. “My work is always acknowledged because I double-check everything,” he says. Now studying full time, Ethan plans to become a certified master technician and work for a major company like Toyota or Volkswagen.

Laura – San Bernardino Valley College

As a single mom and former foster youth, Laura returned to school to set an example for her daughter. “She motivates everything I do,” she says. “I want her to see that even after setbacks, you can build something strong.” Laura’s goal is to work at a dealership and move into leadership. She’s rebuilding her life and using her love of cars—and her scholarship—to create a stable future.

Haylie – Gordon Cooper Technology Center

Haylie is enrolled in the Ford Asset Program, where she’s gaining hands-on experience with light-duty vehicles. “I want to…become one of the best techs out there,” she says. Growing up in foster care, she found strength in her adoptive family and is now working toward STARS certifications with hopes of opening her own shop.

Ebony – Lincoln Tech

Inspired by her foster father, Ebony realized her love of cars was more than a hobby, it was a calling. “I’ve always felt safe in the garage,” she explains. Now studying automotive systems, Ebony plans to earn her ASE certifications while also gaining experience in HVAC and electrical trades. “I’ve had to push through when no one believed in me—but now I believe in me.”

Baylei – College of Southern Nevada 

Baylei chose diesel tech to break cycles and build a stronger future. “I didn’t have a strong family growing up, but I want to be the one who breaks that cycle,” he shares. Initially drawn to automotive repair, Baylei found his fit in diesel technology’s complexity and stability. Now thriving in class and the shop, he’s focused on earning certifications and dreams of his first apartment, full-time job, and future family.

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Each student’s path is unique, but they all share something powerful: resilience, passion, and the determination to succeed. Thanks to our academic sponsors, the BrandSource and American Industries Scholarship is helping dreams take shape, one automotive technology program student at a time.

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