Carter didn’t set out to become an automotive technician. In fact, he was initially considering a career in the culinary industry.

Then came his first car, a 2004 beater he was eager to fix up and make his own. Working on it sparked something unexpected: a passion for understanding how vehicles work, diagnosing problems, and bringing them back to life.

“I realized that I really enjoy working on my own cars,” he said. “It’s something that I could see myself doing in the future.”

That realization led him to Washtenaw Community College in Michigan, where an engine diagnosis and repair class confirmed he’d found his calling.

But pursuing a career meant navigating more than coursework. Like many students preparing for careers in the skilled trades, Carter had to balance his education with work and the practical demands of everyday life.

Keeping His Education and His Goals Moving Forward

In fall 2025, problems with Carter’s car — his primary means of transportation to school and work — created an unexpected setback.

He applied for the Ford Auto Tech Scholarship, which helped him purchase another vehicle and continue pursuing his education and career goals.

Since 2023, Ford Philanthropy and Ford Dealers have supported 2,200 Ford Auto Tech Scholars across the United States. Helping students finish their education and start meaningful careers requires looking at the whole student journey, so the scholarships go beyond tuition, covering tools, certification fees, and everyday barriers that stand between a student and their career.

“Without that scholarship, I wouldn’t have had a way to get to and from school,” he said. “I don’t know if I would have been able to continue my education.”

Bringing His Skills to SEMA

This week, Carter’s journey took him all the way to the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, where he’s one of six Washtenaw students participating in Ford’s Custom Garage Ultimate Build.

The students are transforming a Ford Bronco based on a design selected by SEMA attendees, bringing a community-created vision to life through aftermarket accessories and customization.

The opportunity came through a special topics course at Washtenaw. When an instructor encouraged Carter to apply, he initially hesitated, unsure whether he had the credentials to be selected. With encouragement from friends, family, and classmates, he decided to take a chance.

Now, as the build reaches its final day at SEMA, Carter is putting his classroom learning into practice, working alongside fellow students in a fast-paced, real-world environment and contributing to a project on one of the automotive industry’s biggest stages.

“The biggest takeaway from this class isn’t necessarily any new mechanical knowledge,” Carter said. “It’s just the patience that you need in order to do some sort of customization like this.”

Even with parts designed specifically for a vehicle, unexpected challenges can arise. Learning to slow down, reassess, and find solutions has been an important part of the experience.

The build has also reinforced what Carter values about the automotive industry: there’s always something new to learn and an opportunity to share that knowledge with others.

At Washtenaw, he works part time as a lab technician, helping fellow students navigate their coursework and develop their skills. The experience has even sparked an interest in returning to the classroom someday as an instructor.

“It’s a super gratifying and satisfying feeling to be able to be a part of that and help see these students succeed,” he said. The scholarship helped Carter stay on the road to his career. At SEMA, he saw just how far that road could take him. Now, he’ll continue building toward a future where he can help others find their place in the industry, too.

Kait Leo is a marketing & communications specialist for Ford Philanthropy.