For the second year in a row, WrenchWay did monthly giveaways to support automotive, diesel, and tech ed programs at high schools across the country.
Each month, WrenchWay gives away $1,000 through Shop Talk, the online community for automotive and diesel professionals. Participants earn entries by answering poll questions on Shop Talk, and then the winner is randomly chosen at the end of the month. The winner gets $500 and chooses a high school auto, diesel, or tech ed program to receive a $500 donation.
We caught up with some of the lucky high schools that were chosen to receive a donation to find out how they were able to support their program with the money.
A Look at Some of WrenchWay’s 2024 Donation Winners
Sanford-Fritch High School – Fritch, TX
The auto program at Sanford-Fritch High School used the $500 donation to purchase a brake bleed system and an underhood light bar, both of which will enhance their program’s teaching capabilities. As a smaller school district, every donation, guest speaker, and opportunity has a significant impact.
“Thank you so much for everything WrenchWay does, especially for smaller school districts like ours!”
Richard Wakefield, Auto Shop Teacher, Sanford-Fritch High School
Central Nine Career Center – Greenwood, IN
The donation came at the perfect time for a student at Central Nine Career Center. Shortly after receiving the funds, Automotive Services Instructor, Steve Owens, learned that one of his students had won the Indiana SkillsUSA State Championship in Maintenance and Light Repair. The $500 donation from WrenchWay helped send the student to the prestigious SkillsUSA National Championship in Atlanta, where high school and college students from across the U.S. showcase their skills.
“After receiving the donation, one of my students won the Indiana SkillsUSA State Championship in Maintenance and Light Repair. The giveaway money was used to help send him to Atlanta to compete in the SkillsUSA National Championship. Thank you to all the amazing sponsors and WrenchWay!”
Steve Owens, Automotive Services Instructor, Central Nine Career Center
Union County Vocational-Technical Schools – Scotch Plains, NJ
At Union County Vocational-Technical Schools, senior students are given the opportunity to compete for scholarships that can be applied toward post-secondary tuition or used to purchase starter tool sets. Union County Vocational-Technical Schools used the donation from WrenchWay to help fund those scholarships. By helping students overcome barriers to entry, such as the costs of training and tools, the program plays a crucial role in paving the way for their success in the industry.
Lodestar High School (Lighthouse Public Schools) – Oakland, CA
The technical department at Lodestar High School is one of WrenchWay’s more recent donation recipients. While they are still in the process of developing a detailed plan for how the funds will be allocated, the staff and students have already expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the generous support from WrenchWay and their sponsors.
Comanche High School – Comanche, TX
The automotive program at Camanche High School used their donation to purchase an additional toolbox and tools for their small engines class. They also bought various measurement tools and jump boxes to support all of their classes. Since the school has a live workshop, some of the funds were used to restock spare parts and consumables as well. All these resources help improve their program’s ability to provide better and safer instruction to students.
“These were all items very much in need, and we are so thankful for the donation!”
Jeremy Oskins, Automotive Instructor, Camanche High School
Grandville High School – Grandville, MI
Grandville High School’s automotive program is still in its early stages of development, but the recent donation from WrenchWay will be instrumental in helping to shape the future of the program. As the facility is still under construction and the curriculum is in the works, instructor Ronald Denning is enthusiastic about the progress being made and the role this support will play in their growth.
“We were very excited to receive the $500 donation! Our program here at Grandville, in terms of an ASE program, is still in the creation stages—our facility is currently being built. We are still unsure as to how we will use the funds, but it will be going towards our start-up, and will be a HUGE help! A big thank you to WrenchWay, as well as Bryce Zuiderveen, for choosing our program!”
Ronald H Denning, Vocational Education Instructor, Grandville High School
Bullard Havens Technical High School – Bridgeport, CT
After winning the giveaway twice this year, Bullard Havens Technician High School plans to use the funds to take students to the 2025 NY International Auto Show on Careers Day. The donation will help cover transportation and ticket costs for students who may not be able to afford the fees.
“Thank you for awarding our program the money, which will allow students the opportunity to attend the show.”
Justin Banks, Automotive Instructor, Bullard Havens Technical High School
Dos Palos High School – Dos Palos, CA
Dos Palos High School’s collision program used their funds to purchase I-CAR coupons—enabling students to practice with the same metal used in I-CAR’s official welding tests, rather than on scrap metal. This investment not only enhances the quality of their training but also gives students the opportunity to stay ahead. Welding is a vital skill in automotive collision instruction and plays a key role in developing the skilled technicians needed in the industry.
How Can My School Qualify for WrenchWay’s $500 Donation?
Any high school with a free WrenchWay School Assist account automatically qualifies for the monthly drawings. Each week, we post poll questions to gather feedback from technicians, students, and industry professionals. By answering these questions, participants earn entries into the monthly drawing. The winner gets $500 and selects a school to receive a $500 donation.
