Rod Rhoden Tech Team Scholarship

The Rod’s Auto Tech Team Scholarship is entering its second academic year at Metropolitan Community College (MCC) with $143,358 in scholarship support available for 22 new and returning Nebraska students pursuing automotive technology education. The scholarship, established through a $1 million gift from the Rod Rhoden Foundation, provided nearly $40,000 to 24 students during its first year, with 13 students returning for a second year of support.

During the scholarship’s first year, four recipients completed associate degrees and 13 earned at least one certificate. Students can use funds they would otherwise spend on tuition to help cover other expenses like gas, tools and living expenses. For Yahir Calderas Corona, the ability to cover transportation costs made it possible to travel two hours each way from the Grand Island area to attend classes at MCC.

“I’ve always wanted to be a mechanic working for a great brand in a huge dealership building and fixing cars,” said Calderas Corona, who recently completed the summer quarter at MCC on the Dean’s List. “This scholarship will help me be able to go to school without struggling financially. I live two hours away and have to make the trip while being away from my family to be able to provide a great future for them.”

Calderas Corona is one of the 13 students returning for a second year of scholarship support during the 2026-27 academic year. The scholarship is available to Nebraska students of all ages pursuing MCC Automotive Technology certificates or associate degrees.

The investment comes as the automotive industry faces a significant shortage of trained service technicians. The National Automobile Dealers Association estimates the industry needs nearly 76,000 service technicians each year to meet replacement and new job demand, while about 39,000 technicians graduate annually, creating an annual shortfall of approximately 37,000 technicians. MCC Automotive Technology programs help prepare students to enter the industry and meet workforce needs throughout the region.

Scott Broady, MCC dean of Skilled Trades and Technical Sciences, said the scholarship benefits both students and the automotive employers who need trained technicians.

“When we remove barriers that can keep students from completing their education, we strengthen their opportunities while helping meet the needs of the automotive industry,” Broady said.

Rod Rhoden said he is pleased to see students already achieving the intended outcomes of the scholarship program and expects the program to have an even greater impact in its second year.

“When we established this scholarship, we wanted to create more opportunities for students to enter the automotive industry and complete their education,” Rhoden said. “Seeing students use that opportunity and continue toward careers in the industry is exactly why we made this investment.”

Rod’s Auto Tech Team Scholarship is open to any qualifying student currently enrolled or planning to enroll in MCC Automotive Technology programs. To be eligible, recipients must maintain a 2.0 grade point average or higher, regularly attend classes and reside in Nebraska.

Visit mccneb.edu/Automotive-Technology for more information on the MCC automotive technology program.