‘Techs for Tomorrow’ Scholarship Winners Receive Grants, Trip to SEMA Show

BASF is fueling the future of collision repair through its latest partnership with the TechForce Foundation, awarding five scholarships to promising students and providing an immersive, industry-leading experience at SEMA. This initiative, known as Techs for Tomorrow, grants each selected student $2,500, along with the opportunity to deepen their industry knowledge and skills at SEMA, held this year Nov. 5-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The students awarded the scholarship and SEMA experience are Nolan Sousek of WyoTech, Dustin Detwiler Jr. of Aims Community College, Mindi Cogdill of UTI Houston, Jocelyn Pandolfo of Pennsylvania College of Technology, and Farren Moody of Fayetteville Technical Community College.
The exclusive SEMA experience spans three days and two nights, offering students access to industry events, top-tier exhibitors and interactions with BASF’s ambassador custom builders. The packed agenda provides these young technicians with hands-on exposure to the latest automotive innovations and opportunities to develop professional connections with industry leaders.
BASF's Marketing Communications Manager Tina Nelles and Business Development Manager John Shoemaker will offer mentorship to students, guiding them through networking opportunities and industry insights.
For many of these students, receiving the Techs for Tomorrow scholarship represents both financial support and a significant career milestone.
“Receiving the news that I received the BASF Techs for Tomorrow scholarship and SEMA experience felt like a dream coming true. It’s my first time ever receiving a scholarship,” said Moody. “Getting to experience SEMA with my love for the automotive industry is beyond exciting. I’m super happy.”
Nelles emphasized the importance of fostering new professionals. “We believe that investing in the education and development of young talent is crucial for the future of our industry,” she said. “This partnership with TechForce Foundation and the opportunity to engage with students at SEMA exemplifies our commitment to nurturing the next generation of skilled technicians.”
The Techs for Tomorrow initiative aligns with BASF’s mission to build a sustainable talent pipeline, helping shape the future of the automotive refinish industry by equipping emerging technicians with both skills and industry connections. Through collaborations like this, BASF continues to pave the way for skilled talent essential to the field.