This past year we have had the pleasure of watching The Hourglass Foundation (THF) become a tiny spark in our automotive and fleet communities, including at NAFA I&E, and AFLA’s 2024 Charity of the Year. They have not only been raising awareness about the shortage of auto techs and other skilled trades’ expertise, but they have been steadily helping to infuse our automotive ecosystem with skilled talent—one deserving student at a time.
If you have not yet had the chance to learn about THF, their mission is to empower underserved and diversely underrepresented students through scholarship opportunities that support educational pursuits in automotive tech and other skilled trades like construction, electrical, HVAC and similar. Their scholarship gifts enable hardworking, enthusiastic students to acquire an education they might not otherwise be able to afford, in fields that allow them to attain specific skill sets that lead to solid employment opportunities, career ascension, and most importantly, independence. This skilled expertise is also essential to our automotive ecosystem.
Over the course of the last 11 months, THF has raised more than $30,000 because of hard work, fundraising efforts, and the incredible generosity of so many of you. As a result, the foundation is now able to more than double the amounts of their 2025 direct student scholarships, which will effectively have a more significant fiscal impact for the student recipients.
Who better to share how their life has changed because of The Hourglass Foundation and its many individual donors and contributors, than one of THF’s scholarship recipients. Meet Claire Uhler from York, Nebraska. Claire is the 2024 “Women in Auto Tech” Scholarship recipient, and this is what she had to say about her experience, six months after receiving her scholarship funds.
“To say I have been doing well as of late would be an understatement. I have had such a wonderful experience transitioning from high school graduate to student at Southeast Community College in the Automotive Technology program.
“I have always known that the automotive industry was the path for me, more specifically being a technician, but I can honestly say that I have never felt more secure in those feelings than I do right now. Classes started on August 19th for me, and while I was a little nervous and apprehensive at first, those feelings were immediately put to rest after my first day.
“I have been having the positive experience that dreams are made of. I cannot believe I am so fortunate as to get to learn about what I love now at SCC so that, in a year and a half, I can apply those skills in the industry as a skilled technician.
“I do not believe this is something limited only to me: the trades hold this positive potential for anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. If you want to get into the trades, go for it; you do not have to have the skill to get started. The skills you can learn, the passion you cannot. If you find something you are enthusiastic about, if you find that interest, dive right in. Ask questions, talk to people who share your interests or work in trades or industries you find intriguing, and do not be afraid to plug in. If you do not take that step, you will always wonder ‘what if.’
“I am so thankful for The Hourglass Foundation and their generous donors. The support of the foundation has been both put to good use and this investment in my future is not only generous but encouraging.
“Thank you for your belief in my potential. I cannot wait to see what the Hourglass Foundation will achieve in the future for students and young adults like me with big dreams and who, with a little extra support, can make those dreams into reality.”
Claire is an exceptional example of why The Hourglass Foundation keeps pushing forward, asking for support, and paying opportunity forward.
So, as we approach the heart of Giving Season, it is an honor for us here at Fleet Management Weekly to help The Hourglass Foundation round out their incredible year with an even better one.
Together we can show the world the impact that fleet professionals can have when we work together to make magic happen.
It’s on. Time to make the magic happen. Please consider giving today. Thank you!
And finally, we hope you will check out the Charitable Pulse, The Hourglass Foundation’s latest newsletter, to learn more and see what they’ve accomplished this year.
