Automotive Student Awarded $2,500 ‘Garage Gurus’ Scholarship

Published 07.17.2018

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A Pennsylvania College of Technology student has received one of a dozen $2,500 tuition scholarships awarded by Federal-Mogul Motorparts through its Garage Gurus technical education network.

Among the 2018-19 beneficiaries is Joseph R. Waldeyer, of Manasquan, New Jersey, enrolled in Penn College’s four-year automotive technology management major.



This is the fourth consecutive year for the scholarships, presented to students in accredited postsecondary automotive technology schools. Penn College is home to one of the nation's oldest continuous automotive programs, paralleling the 1914 origins of the institution itself.

The recipient, an Eagle Scout who transferred from Brookdale Community College, worked part time for a hometown mechanic while attending classes. Starting with the 16th birthday gift of a 1995 Chevrolet Silverado from his grandfather, Waldeyer’s passion for vehicles has been fueled by a series of truck-restoration projects in his driveway.

“My education has given me the opportunity to learn about current technology in the automotive industry, practice what I have learned through labs, and allowed me to show my content knowledge and skills through examinations,” he wrote in his scholarship essay. “My work experience has given me an opportunity that very few other college students have had. I have learned from an extremely knowledgeable mentor about the skills necessary to work in the automotive industry, as well as learning about the successes and difficulties that can arise from owning a business.”

The scholarship program was established in 2015 to serve as an investment in the future of local automotive service businesses and their employees, specifically the talented, highly trained professionals who will help keep millions of vehicles in road-ready conditions.

“The main goal of the Garage Gurus scholarship program has remained the same since its introduction – to encourage and support the next generation of automotive and truck repair service professionals as they pursue their careers,” said Brent Berman, Federal-Mogul’s director of training and consumer experience. “These scholarships often serve as motivation to these men and women to fully engage in their training to become knowledgeable and active technicians.”

Garage Gurus is a major “Tech First” initiative from Federal-Mogul Motorsports that offers on-site, online and on-demand instruction through a first-of-its-kind national training platform designed to help front-line automotive service professionals keep pace with the latest vehicle technologies.

Federal-Mogul Motorparts sells and distributes a broad portfolio of products through more than 20 of the world’s most recognized brands in the global aftermarket, while also serving original-equipment vehicle manufacturers with products that include braking, wipers and a range of chassis components.

For more about automotive majors in the college’s School of Transportation & Natural Resources Technologies, call 570-327-4516.

For more about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.