Sponsor a
Piston Scholar
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Support the Next Generation of Collector Car Technicians
Every donation helps aspiring technicians get the education they need to preserve automotive heritage
The future of our collector car community depends on skilled craftspeople who understand both the artistry and technical precision required to preserve automotive heritage. You have the power to make that future possible.
The Need is Urgent
This year, we awarded a record 30 scholarships to aspiring collector car technicians. But, 12 qualified finalists didn’t receive scholarships due to funding limitations. The car community cannot afford to leave the future technicians it needs without support.
As an enthusiast, your legacy isn’t just the cars in your collection – it’s helping train the skilled hands that will preserve automotive heritage for generations to come.
Meet the Next Generation
Emma Silveira started with Hot Wheels as a child and now supervises at O’Reilly Auto Parts while pursuing her dream of becoming an automotive historian. As a first-generation college student, scholarship support helps reduce the financial barriers that could derail her calling.
Vincent Ramirez restored his grandfather’s 1951 Ford F4 from a “machine graveyard” into his daily driver while earning his engineering degree. Despite working multiple jobs, he needs scholarship support to minimize student debt and focus on developing his skills.
Tara Feeney, from McPherson, Kansas, went from “holding flashlights and chasing runaway bolts” in her grandfather’s Model A shop to restoring a 1970 MG Midget while planning her own British racing car restoration business.
These aren’t just students – they’re the future guardians of automotive craftsmanship.
How Scholarships Work
Our scholarships help students pay a portion of their automotive restoration program tuition at specialized schools like McPherson College, Pennsylvania College of Technology, and WyoTech. Students can receive up to $5,000 per year, paid directly to their school.
Piston scholarships are critical to reducing the financial burden that prevents talented young people from pursuing collector car careers.
Every donation makes a difference:
- If 10 people gave $500, it would provide a one scholarship for one student
- If 5 people gave $1,000, it would fund one scholarship
- One person giving $5,000 sponsors a complete scholarship
Your Impact is Immediate
We’ve already created a pipeline of new talent for the car community. Help us keep it growing.
- 15 Piston graduates are already working full-time in collector car restoration
- 13 more scholars will graduate in 2026 and enter the industry
- 83 scholarships awarded since 2022, totaling $298,750
Making Auto-Tech Education Possible
When you sponsor a Piston scholar, your donation goes to our scholarship program. Together, we’re creating the next generation of collector car technicians.
Creating Career Opportunities
We’re creating a path into the collector car industry so young car enthusiasts can turn their interest into a career. We’re removing barriers and increasing access for everyone.
Your Gift is Tax Deductible
The Piston Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) public charity working to serve the grassroots needs of the car enthusiast community. Your sponsorship gift is tax deductible.
The Goal: 60 Scholarships in 2026
We’re doubling our impact. Our goal is 60 scholarships in 2026 – ensuring no deserving candidate is left behind.
Time is running short. Applications open in January, and we need commitments secured by December to guarantee awards.
As an enthusiast, your legacy isn’t just the cars in your collection – it’s helping train the skilled hands that will preserve automotive heritage for generations to come.
Financial Transparency
We are proud to have received a Platinum Transparency seal from Candid in our third year of operations. We embrace our responsibility to steward the gifts of our donors for the greatest possible impact.