Reynolds and Reynolds is investing in the future of the auto industry through education.
The dealership software provider has committed to provide financial help for students at Northwood University and Sinclair Community College who are pursuing automotive careers.
The company announced it is funding $375,000 in scholarships over the next three years for students at Northwood University in Midland, Mich., “to help students achieve their dreams of entering the automotive industry.”
The funds will provide $5,000 scholarships for 22 students in each of the next three years. In addition, $15,000 per year will be used to provide “mini-internships” for 10 students who will attend the NADA Show with Reynolds and Reynolds, allowing them to interact with industry professionals at one of the industry’s largest annual conferences.
Reynolds and Reynolds had previously committed to $75,000 in scholarship funding but said in a news release it increased that amount after attending Northwood’s International Auto Show this month and “witnessing the passion the students and faculty had at the event, for their school and the industry.”
Reynolds and Reynolds senior vice president of corporate development David Shimek said the company strives to help develop students who will go on to positively impact the automotive industry whenever it can.
“With the ever-evolving business climate of retail automotive, dealerships are constantly looking for high-performing industry professionals,” he said. “With these scholarships, Reynolds hopes to help shorten the gap between dealerships and the employees who will help them be successful into the future.
“We’re excited to expand our nearly 50-year partnership with Northwood University by helping students make their career dreams come true.”
Northwood’s University Scholarship Committee will choose students to receive the scholarships. To be eligible, students must opt into the Private Scholarship Donor Program and be enrolled in the automotive marketing and management, automotive aftermarket, computer science, accounting or finance programs.
The funds will be used for tuition, room and board, experiential learning opportunities, books and other required materials.
Northwood academic vice president and provost Kristin Stehouwer said Reynolds and Reynolds’ support represents “a direct investment in helping Northwood students gain the necessary education to meet the automotive industry’s rapidly evolving needs.
“Together, we are forging a path toward innovation, education and excellence, ensuring that the next generation of leaders in this field are well-equipped to drive positive change.”
Reynolds and Reynolds creates auto tech scholarship at Sinclair CC
On Tuesday, Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio, and the Sinclair Foundation recognized Reynolds and Reynolds for its commitment to supporting education for automotive technology students.
The college said Reynolds and Reynolds, which is based in Dayton, has made a multi-year commitment to meet the needs of students studying automotive technology through an investment in their tools, Automotive Service Excellence certifications and programing.
“We believe that investing in education is an investment in the future success of our industry,” Reynolds and Reynolds president Chris Walsh said, “and we look forward to seeing the positive impact these scholarships will have on the lives and careers of the students who receive them.
“Dealerships need technicians, and technicians need tools. Our hope is that these funds will help bridge the gap between graduate and employer, allowing them to fill vital roles with quality candidates who have the tools they need to get started quicker and ramp up to speed faster.”
The Reynolds and Reynolds Automotive Technology Scholarship, administered through the Sinclair Foundation, is designed to support up to 50 students annually.
Sinclair’s automotive technology department is one of the oldest in the nation and currently offers eight degree and certificate programs.
Sinclair Community College president Steven Johnson said the college is “grateful to Reynolds and Reynolds for its commitment to strengthening our efforts to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the automotive industry and contribute to a highly trained and capable workforce,” and automotive technology department chair Justin Morgan said the scholarships “will change students’ lives and keep them on the path to college and career success.”
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects there will be some 67,700 openings for automotive service technicians and mechanics each year through 2032. Over the past five years, nearly 750 Sinclair Community College students have earned automotive technology degrees and certificates, and 95% of graduates find employment within one month of program completion, the college said.