SkillsUSA’s Partnership with Ford Expands Programs in Advanced Manufacturing, Auto

Focus on development of a stronger, larger skilled trades workforce across seven states

SkillsUSA Media Contact:
Clare Briner, cbriner@skillsusa.org

Leesburg, Va., November 12, 2025 — SkillsUSA, the #1 workforce development organization for students, is proud to partner with Ford Philanthropy, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, to expand advanced manufacturing and automotive programs and support students as they prepare for these careers.

The partnership has three key focus areas:

• Develop advanced manufacturing and automotive programs for high school and postsecondary students in Michigan, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, and New York, with a focus on schools within a 15-mile radius of Ford’s plants.
• Establish a new grant to cover transportation costs to and from SkillsUSA programs and competition to help eliminate financial barriers for students who need it most.
• Provide Ford employees from Manufacturing, Auto Tech Recruiting, Collision, and Ford Plant teams to serve as judges at SkillsUSA competitions, mentor students, and lead plant tours to help expose students to different career paths in advanced manufacturing and automotive industries.

Ford announced the partnership with SkillsUSA, among other key initiatives, during FordPro Accelerate at Michigan Central Station in Detroit this past September. FordPro Accelerate  focused on bringing together key industry leaders to have conversations around supporting the Essential Economy — critical industries like manufacturing, utilities, transportation, construction, and energy, among many others — that keeps our communities moving forward.

“As the job market continues to change, and key industries like manufacturing and automotive need skilled workers, our goal at Ford Philanthropy remains simple: to modernize hands-on learning, remove financial barriers to participation, and inspire students by showcasing exciting future careers within the advanced manufacturing and automotive sectors,” said Mary Culler, president of Ford Philanthropy.

SkillsUSA’s Executive Director Chelle Travis joined Culler for a SiriusXM interview about the partnership, which will impact more 100,000 students across seven states.

“Our partnership with Ford is critical to solving the skilled labor gap and sustaining local economies,” Travis said. “Both SkillsUSA and Ford are committed to preparing the next generation of the skilled workforce for these high-wage, in-demand, stable and family-sustaining jobs–all possible with little to no debt.”

Today’s advanced manufacturing and automotive careers are centered on technology management, data analysis and AI coupled with soft skills like problem solving, communication, adaptability and more.

“Careers in manufacturing and automotive look a lot different today,” Travis said. “Ford and SkillsUSA will ensure students are prepared with the employability skills they’ll need to be successful.”

“Ford Philanthropy is so proud to support SkillsUSA,” says Alex Shelton, economic mobility Manager at Ford Philanthropy. “They are doing critical work to support the next generation of skilled workers, including cultivating a vital talent pipeline, elevating the perception of the trades, and empowering future leaders. This profound alignment with our mission stems from our shared belief that while technical skills are essential, it is the foundational workplace and personal skills that truly set students up for lasting success.”

About SkillsUSA

SkillsUSA is the #1 workforce development organization for students, empowering them to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members. SkillsUSA represents more than 413,000 career and technical education students and teachers in middle schools, high schools and college/postsecondary institutions nationwide. Those members represent 130 in-demand occupational areas, from 3-D animation to welding. A vital solution to the skills gap, SkillsUSA has served over 15 million members since its founding in 1965. Learn more at skillsusa.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

About Ford Philanthropy

Ford Philanthropy champions equitable access to essential services, education for the future of work and entrepreneurship opportunities by harnessing Ford’s scale, resources and mobility expertise. Ford and Ford Philanthropy are investing $5M in workforce education programs in 2025-2026, projected to benefit over 100,000 students and educators across the United States. With a 75-year legacy and $2.3 billion in contributions since 1949, Ford Philanthropy, alongside Ford Motor Company, collaborates with nonprofit partners and community organizations to invest and co-create solutions to meet unique community needs, supporting people to move forward and upward. Through impactful grantmaking, Ford Community Centers and employee volunteerism, Ford Philanthropy drives positive change in communities worldwide. For more information, visit fordphilanthropy.org or join us at @FordPhilanthropy on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.