MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
The Ryder
Charitable Foundation, which directs charitable giving and support
on behalf of Ryder
System, Inc., in four strategic pillars – expertise, innovation,
safety, and community collaboration – today announced its $50,000
donation to SkillsUSA,
a nonprofit partnership of students, instructors, and industry that
ensures America has the skilled workforce it needs to stay competitive.
As part of Ryder’s giving strategy supporting expertise, this gift will
help educate the next generation of commercial vehicle technicians by
providing enhanced diesel technology labs (classrooms) and student
scholarships.
“Ryder is proud to take the lead in committing to help grow the pool of
qualified diesel technicians,” said Patrick Pendergast, Group Director
of Recruiting Services, Ryder. “Through our partnership with SkillsUSA,
we are investing in technological advancements and education, but
ultimately, we are investing in the very people who have the power to
influence the future of America’s commercial vehicle transportation
industry.”
The classroom grants, up to $5,000 each, will support an enhancement to
SkillsUSA diesel technology labs nationwide through the purchase of new
equipment or tools. For many years to come, this will impact students
who come through the programs selected to receive these grants.
Additionally, up to 22 student scholarships totaling $22,000 will be
awarded to SkillsUSA students who are continuing their education in
Diesel Equipment Technology. SkillsUSA has more than 2,600 student
members – 998 college/postsecondary and 3,635 high school members – who
are enrolled in Diesel Equipment Technology in 258 classroom labs across
the United States. Those interested in learning more about the
scholarship or in applying, can visit www.skillsusa.org/ryder-scholarship-grant-opportunities/.
A portion of Ryder’s donated funds will also go toward creating a
SkillsUSA online scholarship and classroom grants portal to support a
competitive application process.
“This generous sponsorship from Ryder presents an amazing opportunity
for diesel classrooms to upgrade and purchase new equipment,” said Tim
Lawrence, Executive Director of SkillsUSA. “We are also thrilled that
Ryder plans to provide student grants for those who plan to continue
their education in Diesel Equipment Technology in community college
after high school. This is a wonderful opportunity for diesel students
and schools and we are very grateful to Ryder for their partnership and
support.”
Ryder has the best technicians in the industry and values the importance
of technical training for ensuring the quality maintenance of its more
than 230,000 total vehicles managed, and a commitment to quality
customer service for Ryder’s lease and maintenance customers. To find
out what diesel technician positions are available at Ryder, click here.
Ryder Charitable Foundation
Established in 1984, the Ryder Charitable Foundation demonstrates
community and industry leadership and inspires trust by supporting
causes that address needs in communities where Ryder does business in
the United States. The Foundation proactively solicits proposals from
and awards grants solely to IRS certified, 501(c)(3) nonprofit
organizations whose goals align with Ryder’s core values in four
strategic pillars – Expertise, Innovation, Safety, and Collaboration.
The Foundation is funded by operating profits of Ryder System, Inc.,
(NYSE: R), a leader in commercial
fleet management, dedicated
transportation, and supply
chain solutions.
About SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is a vital solution to the growing U.S. Skills gap. This
nonprofit partnership of students, instructors and industry ensures
America has the skilled workforce it needs to stay competitive. Founded
in 1965 and endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education, SkillsUSA
serves more than 300,000 students and instructors each year in middle
schools, high schools and colleges. This diverse talent pipeline covers
130 technical, skilled and service occupations, the majority
STEM-related. More than 600 corporations, trade associations, businesses
and labor unions actively support SkillsUSA at the national level.
SkillsUSA programs are integrated into career and technical education
through a framework of personal, workplace and technical skills grounded
in academics. Local, state and national championships, planned and
judged by industry, set relevant standards for career and technical
education and provide needed recognition to its students. SkillsUSA also
offers technical skill assessments and other workplace credentials. For
more information, go to: www.SkillsUSA.org.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160404005021/en/
Source: Ryder System, Inc.