Auto Industry Pros Skip Coffee to Fund $2,500 Scholarship

Young professionals in the automotive industry proved that small sacrifices can fuel big dreams when they skipped their morning coffee runs to fund a new scholarship.

The Young Auto Care Network Group (YANG), a community for auto industry professionals under 40, launched the "Fueling the Future" scholarship in partnership with the University of the Aftermarket Foundation. The $2,500 award will help a student pursue a career in automotive repair and aftermarket services.

The funding came from an ingenious National Coffee Day campaign last September. YANG challenged industry supporters to skip just one cup of coffee and donate that money to the UAF Coffee Club donor program instead.

The goal was ambitious: recruit 50 new recurring donors who would continue giving monthly. They hit their target, creating enough sustainable funding to establish a named scholarship that will support students for years to come.

Tanya Hunt, chair of YANG, celebrated the achievement as part of their commitment to giving back. She thanked their partners at MEMA's Modern Industry eXpertise Council for helping spread the word and engage more donors.

Applications are open now through March 31, 2026. Students pursuing careers in automotive technology at four-year colleges, two-year programs, or ASE/NATEF-certified automotive and diesel programs can apply.

The Ripple Effect

This single scholarship joins a much larger wave of support for automotive students. Over $900,000 in scholarships will be awarded for the 2026-27 academic year through a centralized application system.

Students fill out one application and get considered for hundreds of scholarship opportunities from more than 40 organizations. This streamlined approach removes barriers that often prevent qualified students from accessing financial aid.

The UAF Coffee Club donor program remains open year-round, with contributions starting at just $5 per month. That's less than two cups of coffee, transformed into educational opportunities that can change lives and fill critical workforce gaps.

The automotive aftermarket industry faces a growing need for skilled technicians. By investing in students today, these coffee-skipping professionals are ensuring their industry thrives tomorrow while giving young people pathways to stable, well-paying careers.

One cup of coffee costs a few dollars and provides a few minutes of energy, but those same dollars invested in a student's education can power an entire career.