The Hourglass Foundation is honored to announce it has been chosen as the Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association’s (AFLA) Charity of the Year. This marks the third consecutive year the organization has received this prestigious award.
Each year, AFLA’s Board of Directors selects the Charity of the Year through a thorough selection process—choosing an organization that makes a significant impact on the fleet industry through service and community impact.
The Hourglass Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the philanthropic branch of Flexco Fleet Services, is committed to empowering first-generation, underserved, and diversely underrepresented students through scholarships that support automotive technology and other skilled trades. Part of the foundation’s vision is to raise awareness about the technician shortage and skilled labor gap and encourage more students to pursue community college programs in automotive technology, HVAC, Plumbing, Construction, and other similar skilled trades programs. These scholarship opportunities allow students to get an education they might not otherwise be able to afford, in programs that offer hands-on training and equip students with trade-specific skill sets that lead to solid job opportunities, career advancement and independence.
Suresh Rajapakse, AFLA Board President and Chief Commercial Officer at Wheels, stated, “The Hourglass Foundation has earned this recognition for a third year because their work matters to the future of our industry. The technician shortage is one of the most pressing challenges we face, and this foundation is doing something real about it by opening doors for students who might never have had the chance. On behalf of AFLA’s Board, we are proud to stand behind a mission that invests in people, strengthens our workforce, and reminds us that there is more than one path to a meaningful career.”
As automotive continues to face technician shortages, the impacts are wide-ranging—from higher maintenance costs, longer service timelines and delivery schedules to a lack of new talent to replace an aging workforce.
AFLA and The Hourglass Foundation are committed to creating a positive impact on the auto industry’s future by investing in educating the next generation of skilled trades professionals, including encouraging more women to consider educational pursuits in automotive technology and other skilled trades arenas.
Kim Davidson, The Hourglass Foundation’s Executive Director added, “Being recognized as AFLA’s Charity of the Year for a third year is exciting. The fleet community has been incredibly welcoming and supportive of our mission, which has continued to fuel our ability to serve students interested in pursuing trades careers.
I believe we all understand that there is more than one path to an education, and attending a traditional four-year college is not always the right fit, nor the most affordable option for many graduating high school seniors. Through our scholarship programs we are not only helping deserving students achieve their educational pursuits and career goals but helping infuse our ecosystem with skilled expertise.”
In 2026 alone, The Hourglass Foundation is on track to award over $80,000 in scholarships. This is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of all involved.
The Hourglass Foundation will be recognized during AFLA’s 57th Annual Conference, in Las Vegas, where industry leaders from across North America will assemble to make industry connections, learn, and collaborate on the future of fleet and mobility.
