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What's the Driven to Care Legacy Scholarship?
Driven to Care Scholarships were created for students who share John Weinberger's love for cars and his passion for the automotive world. Get a glimpse of his journey by watching this video.
Driven to Care grants monthly tech scholarships year-round, and annual scholarships at Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University, University of Illinois Chicago, Texas State University, and McPherson College. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $10,000. But there’s more under the hood—Driven to Care also offers awesome student experiences like behind-the-scenes tours at racetracks, car auctions, and industry events.
Who is this scholarship for?
Illinois & Texas Students studying:
-Automotive Engineering
-Automotive Restoration
-Automotive Technician
Vocational/ Trade Schools
Awarded Monthly and Annually
(Administered via Tech Force Foundation)
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Illinois & Texas: Students pursuing a career as an automotive technician and enrolled at an in-state college/postsecondary tech school that offers automotive technical training. One scholarship in each state will be awarded to a woman.
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Illinois: Lyons Township High School students pursuing a career as an automotive technician and enrolled at an in-state tech school that offers automotive technical training. Learn more here.
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Illinois & Texas: A student enrolled in a motorsports technician program that is specific to engine block machining
Engineering
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Illinois: Students enrolled in the School of Automotive Technology at Southern Illinois University(SIU), or students enrolled in the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology at Northern Illinois University (NIU), or the School of Engineering at University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC) focused on the automotive industry. Applicants must be a member of Society of Automotive Engineering (SAE) at NIU and UIC.
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Texas: Students involved in the Society of Automotive Engineering (SAE) and Bobcat Racing who attend Texas State University (TXST) pursuing studies in the School of Engineering focused on the automotive industry.
Vintage Restoration
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Illinois & Texas: Students attending McPherson College in their vintage restoration and preservation program.
2025 Scholarship Opportunities
University of Illinois, Chicago (UIC) opens in February | scholarshiphelp@uic.edu | 312) 413-1066
Northern Ilinois University (NIU) opens in the fall | scholarships@niu.edu | 815-753-1395
Southern Illinois University (SIU) opens in September | scholarships@siu.edu | 618-453-4628
Texas State University opens in March | cosescholarships@txstate.edu
Automotive Engineering
We teamed up with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) to offer engineering scholarships for students at Southern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University and the University of Illinois - Chicago. SAE helps students take what they’ve learned in the classroom and shift it into high gear in the real world of automotive engineering. Ready to put the pedal to the metal? These scholarships could be your next pit stop!
Automotive Restoration
McPherson College is the perfect launchpad for students to pursue their passion for vintage cars. McPherson offers a four-year program in automotive restoration and hands-on experience in everything from metal fabrication to engines, upholstery, and paint. Students also get access to internships at museums, shops, and private collections across the country. Choose from five areas of emphasis including automotive restoration technology, communications, management, design, and history. If you're ready to jump into the driver’s seat of a career in restoring classic cars, this is the place to be!
Automotive Technician
Skilled automotive technicians are in high demand because today’s cars are like computers on wheels! Whether you dream of working at a dealership, running your own shop, or fixing cars in an independent garage, a solid technical education will speed up your success. These scholarships are available to students from Illinois or Texas who are enrolled in a technical or motorsports training program.
Niko Katsafaros
"A huge thank you to everyone part of your team. You have no idea how much this means to me and my thanks are immeasurable. "
Tyrone Wilkins Jr.
"I appreciate your guys support and the scholarship that I earned I am very grateful."
Lewis Marines
"Thank you so much for this scholarship award. I am very thankful for this award. This will help me continue my schooling and fulfill my dream of being a master technician. "
Have Questions?
Get in touch so we can start working together.