Piston Awards 30 Scholarships to 2025 Class of Future Collector Car Technicians
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors and Community Partners, the Piston Foundation is thrilled to announce our 2025 class of Piston Scholars—30 exceptional students who share a passion for collector cars and the determination to master automotive trade skills. This milestone represents our largest scholarship class to date and a 50% increase from 2024, demonstrating the growing interest in collector car careers among young enthusiasts and continued demand for skilled automotive restoration professionals.
By Jeff Mason
July 29, 2025
Record-Breaking Interest and Impact
The 2025 application cycle brought unprecedented enthusiasm, with 140 applications received from aspiring technicians across the country. From this impressive pool, 42 finalists emerged, making the selection process both competitive and exciting. Our volunteer review committee – comprised of industry experts, working professionals, and collectors – carefully evaluated each candidate based on their commitment to pursuing careers in the collector car industry.
This year’s class includes 6 women and 24 men attending 5 different auto-tech schools and colleges. The scholarship awards will be divided between fall and spring semesters and paid directly to schools, supporting both 8 returning scholars and 22 new faces joining the Piston family.
“This milestone represents more than numbers—it’s about creating career opportunities and building the future workforce the car community desperately needs.”
– Robert Minnick, Founder, CEO
Growing Our Legacy
Since launching in 2022, Piston has awarded 83 scholarships totaling $298,750. These scholarships have supported 61 students, some receiving awards in multiple school years. Our impact continues to grow as 15 Piston Scholars have already graduated and are now working in the industry.
These graduates are filling critical roles at restoration shops, private collections, museums, and specialty automotive businesses—exactly the pipeline our industry needs.
The Rigorous Selection Process
Each Piston Scholar earned their place through a comprehensive application process including letters of recommendation, personal statements, and video presentations. Our merit-based selection focuses on genuine interest and commitment to collector car careers, while scholarship amounts are tailored to each student’s financial need.
This approach ensures we’re supporting the most dedicated future technicians while making automotive education accessible to those who need it most.
Gratitude to Our Supporters
None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our donors and Community Partners who share our vision of a thriving collector car community. From individual car enthusiasts to automotive businesses and foundations, each contribution directly impacts a young person’s career path and helps address the critical shortage of skilled technicians in our industry.
“Each of these 30 scholars represents a solution to the critical shortage of skilled technicians in collector car restoration.”
– Jeff Mason, President, COO
Meet Our 2023 Piston Scholars
We’re incredibly proud to welcome this exceptional group into the Piston community. Each scholar brings unique talents, experiences, and dreams of working with collector cars. From engine building enthusiasts to restoration specialists, these students represent the bright future of our industry.
The collector car community’s future depends on skilled technicians who understand both the art and science of automotive restoration. With our 2025 Piston Scholars, that future looks brighter than ever.
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Give to What You Love
Make a gift that helps the next generation access the education and training they need to begin a career as a classic car technician. Gifts of any size are appreciated and will be used to fund our scholarship and apprenticeship programs.
Sponsor a Piston Scholar
Piston Foundation scholarships are awarded to aspiring technicians to help them begin an auto restoration career. Give to the car culture you love. 100% goes to fund scholarships.
Cars for Piston Scholars
Turn your collector car into education and hands-on training for aspiring collector car technicians. Your car can change lives. 100% goes to fund scholarships.
Give to What You Love
Make a gift that helps the next generation access the education and training they need to begin a career as a classic car technician. Gifts of any size are appreciated and will be used to fund our scholarship and apprenticeship programs.
Sponsor a Piston Scholar
Piston Foundation scholarships are awarded to aspiring technicians to help them begin an auto restoration career. Give to the car culture you love. 100% goes to fund scholarships.
Cars for Piston Scholars
Turn your collector car into education and hands-on training for aspiring collector car technicians. Your car can change lives. 100% goes to fund scholarships.
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