Jeep® and Mopar’s Career Automotive Program Rewards Scholarships to Indigenous Students

  • Scholarship recipients include Carl Cuthair of San Juan College, Farmington, New Mexico, and Camron Slaton of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology, Okmulgee, Oklahoma   
  • Native American students receive up to $20,000 reimbursements for necessary tools and two years of tuition at a participating college or trade school to become automotive service technicians
  • Scholarships are offered in partnership with Jeep® brand, Mopar Career Automotive Program (CAP), the Indigenous Cultural Opportunity Network (ICON) business resource group and the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), an organization promoting careers in STEM for Indigenous people
  • Mopar CAP has helped train the next generation of service technicians since 1984
  • For more information on the Mopar CAP, visit MoparCAP.com
October 10, 2024 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -  Two Native American students are recipients of the Mopar Career Automotive Program (CAP) scholarships and will receive up to $20,000 reimbursements for necessary tools and two years of tuition to become automotive service technicians.

Carl Cuthair of San Juan College in Farmington, New Mexico, and Camron Slaton of Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, were recently recognized by Mopar and Jeep® representatives during separate ceremonial events. Both were presented with their scholarship certificates and additional prizes.  

The scholarships are a result of a partnership with the Jeep brand, Mopar CAP, the Indigenous Cultural Opportunity Network (ICON) business resource group and the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), an organization promoting careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) for Indigenous people.

Originally announced in May 2024, scholarship recipients were required to be enrolled in the Mopar CAP program with a grade-point average of 2.5 or higher, complete a letter explaining their need, submit letters of recommendation and undergo an extensive interview process. A third scholarship recipient will be revealed at a later date.

“For more than 40 years, the Mopar CAP program has been providing valuable training that gives our students a competitive edge and helps address the urgent need for qualified technicians in the market today,” said Bill Peffer, senior vice president of network development, Stellantis North America. “We’re proud of the valuable assistance these scholarships bring to help Carl and Camron turn their automotive passions into rewarding careers.”

The Jeep brand supports many Stellantis employee business resource groups, including ICON. This partnership was key in securing the funding for these scholarships.

“Recognizing the diverse needs of our community, we are committed to supporting initiatives that provide scholarships for qualifying Native American students,” said Bob Broderdorf, senior vice president and head of Jeep brand North America. “These types of scholarships allow us to invest in the future of students from underrepresented backgrounds, helping them pursue rewarding careers in the automotive industry.”

AISES promotes STEM careers among Indigenous people. Founded in 1977, AISES has been offering and coordinating scholarships since 1981.

Mopar CAP 
Mopar CAP, established in 1984, prepares students to begin their automotive technician careers upon graduation from a certified, two-year training institution, such as a university, college, community college or technical center. Currently, more than 5,000 students are actively enrolled in the program. Mopar CAP is accessible to interested students throughout the U.S., including major metro markets, secondary markets and rural markets. More than 80% of Stellantis’ 2,600-plus dealerships are located within a one-hour drive of a Mopar CAP school. 

High school students interested in maintaining and repairing vehicles can have a promising career without incurring the cost of a four-year college degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that an average of 67,700 auto service technicians will be needed every year through 2032, replacing those who retire or transfer to different occupations.

For more information on the Mopar CAP program, visit MoparCAP.com or follow on social media at Instagram (@MoparCAP) and Facebook (@MoparCAPOfficial).
 
Jeep Brand
For more than 80 years, Jeep has been the global leader in SUVs, delivering legendary off-road capability, advanced technology and exceptional versatility for those who seek adventure. With a commitment to innovation, the Jeep brand offers a diverse lineup of vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, hybrid technology and all-electric drivetrains. The brand’s dedication to customer satisfaction is reflected in Jeep Wave, a premium owner loyalty and customer care program that provides exclusive benefits and 24/7 support. Built on a heritage of freedom, adventure, authenticity and passion, Jeep continues to set the standard for rugged yet refined vehicles designed to conquer it all.

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CAP

Contact Information

Dan Reid
Office: (248) 512-0366
Cell: (248) 202-7697
Dianna Gutierrez
Office: (248) 512-2921
Cell: (248) 705-7504
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