The WATDA Foundation is dedicated to tackling Wisconsin's critical shortage of automotive, collision, and diesel technicians by investing in education, career pathways, and workforce development. Through scholarships, grants, and industry partnerships, the Foundation helps students pursue rewarding technical careers in transportation.

• ASE Wisconsin

• Charter Founders

• Contact the Foundation

• Ford Scholarship

• Foundation Board of Directors

• Major Contributors

• Nitro-X Summer Camp

• Scholarship Information

• Question & Answers

• SkillsUSA

• Summer Institute

• WATDA Transportation Career Showcase

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Impact Report

The 2025 Impact Report highlights the Foundation’s work during the 2024–2025 school year to expand ASE-accredited programs, strengthen alignment with national training standards, and provide schools, teachers, and students with essential resources. These efforts reinforce the Foundation’s role as Wisconsin’s long-term solution to the transportation talent gap.

This report also presents key initiatives and enrollment data from both high school and technical college programs, gathered through the Foundation’s annual instructor survey. By capturing information from ASE-accredited and non-accredited programs alike, the survey offers a comprehensive picture of transportation education across the state.

​Sharing these insights demonstrates measurable progress: broadening access to training, supporting educator success, and growing Wisconsin’s talent pipeline. Ultimately, this document underscores the impact of the Foundation on students, schools, and the transportation industry as a whole.

Supply & Demand Report

Wisconsin dealerships—like those nationwide—are facing unprecedented shortages of qualified technicians. Fewer students are entering the field, and employers report increasingly shallow applicant pools across automotive, collision, and diesel positions.

This section provides data and trends specific to Wisconsin, drawn from multiple sources. The analysis not only helps explain the current challenges but also points toward the workforce demands dealerships can expect in the years ahead.

On the Cover: Standing in front of her Ford Excursion is Bethany.
She is a WATDA Foundation scholarship recipient, technical college graduate, and is proudly employed at a Wisconsin dealership.

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Education

• Industry Outreach: Information on career opportunities shared annually with 1,000 high school counselors.
• Scholarship Support: About 125 scholarship requests processed each year, with interviews conducted at 12–15 sites statewide.
• Teacher Training: Team Wisconsin Teacher’s Institutes serve 60–70% of certified transportation tech-ed teachers annually.
• Youth Apprenticeships: Active partner in Wisconsin’s School-to-Work initiative for automotive technician apprenticeships.
• Curriculum Development: Programs have saved schools $250,000+ in training aid costs over the past five years.

Philanthropic and Career Support

• Scholarships & Sponsorships: Over 2,000 awarded to students pursuing technical careers in automotive and truck retail businesses. Together with Snap-on, more than $7.5 million invested in young people’s futures.
• Education Grants: Support provided to students preparing to become Vocational Education Teachers in automotive technology.
• Community Grants: Over $248,000 in challenge grants awarded to Wisconsin non-profits.
• Youth Engagement: Leadership in implementing AYES at 13 sites across southern and central Wisconsin, plus a Career Awareness series reaching 10,000+ middle and high school students each year.
• Skills Development: Coordinating SkillsUSA Wisconsin competitions in automotive and diesel finals.

contact the foundation

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Help us train your technicians of tomorrow!

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