The Piston Foundation announced it is awarding scholarships to 30 aspiring collector car technicians for the 2025-26 academic year—its largest scholarship class to date. This represents a 50% increase from the previous year’s awards, reflecting growing interest in collector car careers among young enthusiasts and continued demand for skilled automotive restoration professionals, company officials stated in a press release.
The competitive selection process drew 140 applications nationwide, with 42 students advancing to finalist status. A volunteer review committee comprised of industry experts, working professionals and collectors evaluated candidates based on their demonstrated commitment to pursuing careers in the collector car industry.
“This milestone represents more than numbers. It’s about creating career opportunities and building the future workforce the car community desperately needs,” said Jeff Mason, president and COO of The Piston Foundation. “Each of these 30 scholars represents a solution to the critical shortage of skilled technicians in collector car restoration.”
The 2025 class includes six women and 24 men who will attend five different automotive technology schools and colleges across the United States. It consists of eight returning Piston Scholars and 22 new recipients. Scholarship awards, determined by individual financial need, will be distributed directly to educational institutions in fall and spring installments.
Success of the Scholarship Program & How It Works
Since launching its scholarship program in 2022, The Piston Foundation has awarded 83 scholarships totaling $298,750. These scholarships have supported 61 students, some receiving awards in multiple school years. The program’s impact is already evident in the workforce: 15 Piston Scholars have graduated and secured positions in the collector car industry, with an additional 13 scholars expected to graduate in 2026, noted the release.
The rigorous selection process requires students to submit comprehensive applications including letters of recommendation, personal statements and video presentations. Merit-based selection focuses on genuine interest and commitment to collector car careers, while scholarship amounts are tailored to address individual financial barriers to education.
Recipients will pursue automotive technology programs at community colleges and specialized restoration schools, preparing them for careers at restoration shops, private collections, museums, auction houses and specialty automotive businesses.
“The collector car industry continues to face a significant shortage of qualified technicians as veteran craftspeople retire,” added Mason. “Limited access to hands-on training and the high cost of technical education have historically made it challenging for young enthusiasts to enter the field.”
The 2025 Piston Scholars:
- Sarah Bliss – Hutchinson, Kansas
- Dimitri Brooks – Volente, Texas
- Conor Dawson – Columbus, Ohio
- Marcello Dean – Placerville, California
- Tara Feeney – McPherson, Kansas
- Dominic Gianino – Madbury, New Hampshire
- Connor Hecei – Warren, Pennsylvania
- Gabriel Hepker – Prescott Valley, Arizona
- Carson Hulka – Herndon, Virginia
- Mory Hummell – Franktown, Colorado
- Derek Jensen – Traverse City, Michigan
- Wyatt Kiddoo – Dolores, Colorado
- Nicholas King – Lafayette, Indiana
- Aidan Kraft – Atlanta, Georgia
- Charlie Kubena – Midlothian, Virginia
- Cameron Maguire – Carmel, California
- Cristian Martins – Parker, Colorado
- Morgan Moravec – Fort Myers, Florida
- John Morris – Novato, California
- Jocelyn Pandolfo – Clark, New Jersey
- Jacob Parker – McPherson, Kansas
- Caleb Pezold – Mokane, Missouri
- Gavin Powell – McPherson, Kansan
- Vincent Ramirez – Afton, Minnesota
- Abby Shaffer – Springdale, Arkansas
- Emma Silveira – Hanford, California
- Logan Smith – El Dorado Hills, California
- Cameron Steinblock – Bennet, Nebraska
- Elias Vasquez – Irving, Texas