Carvana and the Jimmie Johnson Foundation have launched Driving Brighter Futures, a grant program designed to support automotive and engineering career and technical education programs in K-12 public schools across the country.
The initiative will provide funding for schools to purchase equipment, tools, training vehicles, and other resources that help students explore careers in automotive technology and engineering.
Nominations are open through August 28, with schools across the United States eligible to participate.
"The industry needs these students, and these students deserve the opportunity," Johnson said in announcing the program.
Hear the full story with Paul and Kyle here.
What We See
The most interesting part of this story isn't the grant program itself.
It's the growing recognition that workforce development starts long before someone fills out a job application.
For years, dealerships have invested in schools, technical programs, community partnerships, and local workforce initiatives because they understand something many industries overlook: talent pipelines are built, not found.
The technician shortage isn't a future concern. It's a present reality. Modern vehicles are becoming more complex, and demand for skilled technicians continues to outpace supply.
Programs like this acknowledge that solving that challenge requires creating opportunities for students to discover the industry earlier. Exposure creates interest. Interest creates career paths. Career paths create the workforce our industry needs.
Whether it's a national initiative from Carvana or a local partnership led by a dealer, the principle remains the same.
Investing in people is investing in the future of the industry.
Why It Matters to Dealers
The dealerships that attract the best talent over the next decade will likely be the ones building relationships with future technicians today.
Supporting local schools, technical programs, internships, and mentorship opportunities isn't just community involvement. It's one of the most practical long-term recruiting strategies available.
