Five recent high school graduates from Wake County, North Carolina, have received scholarships from the Advance Auto Parts Foundation. The scholarships are part of the Foundation’s Future Technicians Scholarships Program, which aims to address the shortage of skilled automotive technicians in the region. The students are enrolled in the Automotive Systems Technology degree program at the Hendrick Center for Automotive Excellence on Wake Tech’s Scott Northern Wake Campus.
The recipients were nominated by their high school guidance counselors and selected by Wake Tech in early 2025. Each student receives a $5,000 scholarship to help with educational and living expenses, and a one-time $600 stipend for essential tools. The support is intended to reduce financial barriers and help students focus on their training.
This year’s recipients are Kevin Cohen Bencomo (Knightdale High School), Edwin Ariel Cruz-Perez (Southeast Raleigh High School), Jaylen Keshawn Hannah (East Wake High School), Cristian Quarles (Apex High School), and Braeley Siler (Wakefield High School). The students were recognized for their interest and progress in automotive studies. For example, Jaylen Hannah is the first in his family to attend college, and Jordan Siler is working at Jiffy Lube while studying…