The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Minnesota (AASP-MN) and the Minnesota Careers in Automotive Repair and Service (MNCARS) have launched a $50,000 Electric Vehicle (EV) Scholarship Program for schools, teachers and students in the state. Infento, a provider of innovative EV STEM construction kits and H21 Group, a specialist in technical education spaces, will facilitate the scholarship with AASP-MN and MNCARS providing matching funds. The scholarship aims to foster a new generation of automotive professionals equipped with the skills needed to repair the advanced vehicles of tomorrow, a press release says. It says the scholarship has the potential to impact more than 500 students throughout the state after its completion.

As a component of the partnership, schools that want to purchase one Infento “Pro Kit” will receive a free additional kit, the release says. It says the kit is the champion product supporting the scholarship. “The future of the automotive industry is highly technical, and we need a skilled workforce to keep these vehicles on the road,” said Linden Wicklund, AASP-MN executive director, in the release.

“This scholarship program, in partnership with MNCARS, Infento, and H2I Group, is a strategic investment in our members’ future. By sparking interest early on and providing students with the opportunity to develop essential skills through Infento’s innovative products, we can ensure a pipeline of qualified technicians who are prepared to work on the latest automotive technologies.”

The scholarship program will provide funding for middle and high schools in the state to receive Infento’s “Pro Kit.” It also will provide educators training on how to effectively integrate the kits into their curriculum. Students will be able to build and experiment with electric motors and batteries along with structural and mechanical parts via the kits. The kits also allow students to use their imagination to build other items with the kit components. “By engaging in hands-on activities, students can develop a deep understanding of how EVs work, gain practical experience in troubleshooting, problem-solving, and critical thinking, and acquire the essential skills needed to succeed in career and technical education (CTE) programs and automotive industry careers,” the release says. Teachers will be equipped with the tools and resources to guide students through hands-on projects that align with industry standards and workforce needs, the release says. “Infento’s EV kits are powerful tools for schools to help support their students in developing the skills that are essential for the future of the automotive industry,” said Max Ringelheim, Infento head of operations, in the release.

“By engaging students in hands-on learning, we can inspire a new generation of engineers, technicians, and innovators who are passionate about electric vehicles and their potential to shape the future of transportation. Through our kits, students can develop critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration skills, which are invaluable in any industry, particularly in the rapidly evolving world of automotive technology.”

Nate Thiesfeld, H21 Group executive vice president, said the company is proud to contribute its expertise to support Infento’s approach to education. “By ensuring that schools have the appropriate facilities and equipment, we can foster an engaging and stimulating learning experience that ignites a lifelong passion for STEM and paves the way for successful careers in the automotive industry,” Thiesfeld said.

AASP-MN also will award up to $20,000 in scholarships to select students enrolled in post-secondary automotive (auto service or collision repair) programs, a press release from the organization says. Applicants must be enrolled in a Minnesota-based ASE-accredited automotive program in the fall of 2025.

The AASP-MN Education Fund was established in 2002 to provide financial resources to support automotive students, enhance automotive programs, and raise awareness of career opportunities in the independent automotive service industry. More than $345,000 has been invested in student scholarships, SkillsUSA, and automotive education programs throughout the state, the press release says.