Supporting the Future of Our Industry: TTEF awards tuition support to five students in 2023

Haley Cranwell
North Central Kansas Technical College, Hays, KS
Haley is an incredibly disciplined student who holds herself to high standards. Her instructor says that she will be a star in the industry. Haley's mother encouraged her to try something new by attending technical school, where Haley quickly found her passion in automotive repair. After a short, but hard-fought battle with cancer, Hayley's mother passed away;in October 2021, and Haley found that working on cars gave her an escape to deal with that difficult time. Her long-term goal is to own her own shop specializing in transmissions. We have no doubt that your mama is smiling at your accomplishments.

Dakota Boles
Southeast Community College, Lincoln, NE
Dakota has had an interest in building things since a young age. In high school, he took his first automotive class and he was hooked. After an automotive boot camp at the SCC Milford Campus, Dakota was confident that he had found his career. Dakota’s instructor describes him as a model student who is eager to learn new skills and enthusiastic about all aspects of repair. He has worked for several repair facilities in the Lincoln area while going to school and enjoys the opportunity to excel in his skills and abilities, along with the valuable experiences. He takes pride in his work and loves the electrical challenges that come with the trade. His goal is to become a good diagnostic technician and can’t wait to apply all the valuable skills he has learned.

Desiree Jones
Manhattan Area Technical College, Manhattan, KS
Desiree has always had an interest in automotive work and while growing up, she watched her brother work on cars. She keeps busy with going to school, as well as having 2 young children at home, and helping her parents who both have health problems. Her goal is to get through the automotive program and eventually start her own business one day. Desiree’s instructor says she is performing well in school and always looks for ways to help others in her class. He commends her resourcefulness and problem-solving skills.

Calin Martin
Red River Technology Center, Duncan, OK
Calin's interest in automotive repair was sparked at 16 when he purchased his first vehicle - which needed a lot of work! With his dad's help, they have kept it on the road to this day. He plans to attend Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology’s School of Transportation and Heavy Equipment. Calin is involved in community and church activities and holds down a job, while also being a member of the National Honor Society.

John Paul Jansen
Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, KS
JP’s instructor stated that JP is a hard worker who puts forth a good effort in all that he does. JP worked at an independently owned auto repair facility during the summer of 2022 where he shadowed a master technician and did basic repairs and only changes on his own. He states that this experience increased not only his technical skills, but also his customer service skills. JP is currently a sophomore at Pittsburg State University studying Automotive Technology and also working toward a minor in business to help him grow his leadership and service skills.