Autel U.S.—a developer, manufacturer and distributor of professional automotive diagnostic tools and equipment—announced the five recipients of its first Autel Awarding Excellence Scholarships.
The $25,000 scholarship program, part of Autel Cares—the company’s philanthropic initiative—was created to recognize and support outstanding students pursuing careers in automotive repair and service, company officials stated in a press release. Each recipient will receive a $5,000 award to help further their education and training in the automotive trades.
This year’s recipients are:
- Cristian “Brady” Martins, of Parker, Colorado, attending McPherson College, Kansas, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Restoration Technology.
- Carter Kitts, of Zelienople, Pennsylvania, attending Rosedale Technical College, Pennsylvania, studying Automotive Technology and Auto Body & Collision Repair.
- Mason Kleinfelder, of Homewood, Illinois, attending Southern Illinois University—Carbondale, Illinois—pursuing a bachelor’s degree in automotive technology.
- Isabella McDonald, of Savage, Pennsylvania, attending Universal Technical Institute of Pennsylvania, studying Automotive and Mechanical Repair Technologies.
- Rafael Luna, of Lewisville, Texas, attending Collin College, Texas, pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Collision Repair Technology.
Representing students from across the country and multiple automotive service and repair disciplines—including mechanical repair, restoration and automotive and collision repair technology—this year’s winners reflect the diversity, skill and dedication driving the future of the automotive industry, noted the release. Each student demonstrates exceptional passion, drive and commitment to advancing their technical skills and contributing to the future of automotive repair.
“These remarkable students represent the best of what’s ahead for our industry,” said Chloe Hung, CEO of Autel U.S. “Through their stories, we see not only technical skill but also the curiosity, perseverance and pride that define great technicians. Supporting their education through the Autel Awarding Excellence Scholarships is an investment in the next generation of automotive excellence—an investment Autel is proud to make. We look forward to following all the good work these young people will achieve in the industry and in their communities.”
About Autel Cares
Launched this summer, Autel Cares reflects Autel’s commitment to giving back to its community and the industry that helped it grow, the company said. Along with the annual Autel Awarding Excellence Scholarships, the initiative includes a partnership with Share Our Strength in support of its No Kid Hungry campaign, dedicated to ending childhood hunger in America, where an estimated 1 in 5 children live with hunger.
Through this effort, Autel is donating $100 for each MaxiSYS Ultra S2 automotive diagnostics tablet sold from September through Dec. 31, 2025, with a maximum donation of $50,000. Autel makes this contribution on behalf of its Ultra S2 tablet purchasers.
The initiative also includes Autel Inspires, a program that will provide free or discounted diagnostic tools and software to underfunded automotive education programs across North America.